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Pitt Football: James Conner’s return gives Panthers loaded backfield

By Collin Wieder

Sep 5, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) rushes the ball as Youngstown State Penguins linebacker Jaylin Kelly (40) and cornerback David Rivers (31) defend 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 as Youngstown State Penguins linebacker Jaylin Kelly (40) and cornerback David Rivers (31) defend during the first half at Heinz Field. The Panthers won 45-37. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Pitt football has two top-tier running backs returning to the backfield in 2016 with James Conner and Qadree Ollison looking to create a dynamic power duo.

Pitt football finds itself in an excellent position for the 2016 season. The Panthers return 16 of 22 starters off their 8-5, 2015 squad, including running back James Conner who returns after battling Hodgkin’s disease last year. He’s also returning after missing the season with a knee injury, but in 2014, he ran for 1,765 yards and 26 touchdowns en route to winning the ACC Player of the Year.

Related Story: Pittsburgh RB James Conner tweets he is cancer-free

Now, he’s back after finding out he’s cancer-free this summer. Conner is a load at 6-foot-2, 235 pounds and he crushed defenses. Despite his size, he averaged 5.9 yards per carry in 2014. If he can return to his 2014 form, Pitt could be special.

Last season during his absence, the Panthers used a back similar to Conner, Qadree Ollison who served as the hammer for the offense. He’s almost the exact same size as Conner, at 6-foot-2, 230 pounds. He led all running backs with 1,121 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns. The running game for Pitt rushed 509 times last season. Between Ollison and Conner, they should easily win the time of possession battle every game. These two add a thunder-and-thunder offensive approach.

In an era where teams air it out 40 and spread defenses with the pass, Pitt doesn’t complicate its offense. It understands getting the ball into the hands of your playmakers is as easy as handing the ball off.

Opponents know Pitt’s offensive approach is run-heavy and that works perfectly. Quarterback Nathan Peterman managed the game well last season. In 11 games, he threw for 2,287 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions. If he can continue to play smart and make plays when necessary, Pitt could become a force in the ACC. No doubt, Clemson, and Florida State run the ACC, but the third spot is open for competition.

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Pitt football has a throwback style few are running. If they can keep the rush attempts high between their two backs it could be an interesting season that sees the Panthers playing in the ACC Championship Game.

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