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James Conner beating cancer would be college football’s best comeback story

By Tanner Sperry

Sep 5, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) rushes the ball against the Youngstown State Penguins during the first half at Heinz Field. The Panthers won 45-37. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) rushes the ball against the Youngstown State Penguins during the first half at Heinz Field. The Panthers won 45-37. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Multiple storylines highlight the 2016 college football season, but Pittsburgh running back James Conner should be at the top of the list.

Great stories of any sort can motivate people in unfathomable ways. People who achieve improbable feats against great odds can inspire others to do the same. With that being said, sports are in no way excluded from having some of the most inspiring stories.

Whether someone is a sports fan or not, Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner’s unfolding story looks like it’s going to be an incredible one.

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Conner had a great freshman season in 2013, averaging 5.5 yards per carry and scored eight touchdowns. The following year he had a breakout season. He improved to 5.9 yards per carry, an astounding 26 rushing touchdowns and 1,765 yards to win the ACC Player of the Year in 2014 as a sophomore.

The 2015 season was tough for Conner. He ran just eight times in the opener before being injured and had to sit out the rest of the season. Conner was recovering just fine until he got another blow to his health.

Conner was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, but as reported by Sports Illustrated, just a few months later, on February 5 Pittsburgh head coach Pat Narduzzi said he guaranteed Conner would be back and play for Pitt this year.

A video of Conner running a drill with the team was recently released on Twitter, and it’s a testament to his recovery.

Several of Conner’s teammates are planning to take part in a race for him, according to ESPN.com’s Andrea Adelson. The race is called “Race to Anyplace” and takes place at Heinz Field on February 27. Adelson also reports that Conner has passed the half way mark on his treatment.

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If Conner can come back to full health and show the form he displayed as a sophomore, don’t be surprised if he gets some big Heisman consideration this year. Pittsburgh could have a very big year coming up and a lot of that success could be due to the comeback of James Conner: the top storyline to watch in 2016.

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