Pitt's James Conner declares for NFL Draft one season after beating cancer

Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner is heading for the pros. The redshirt junior officially declared for the NFL Draft on Saturday.

Conner, who returned from a Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis last December to rush for 1,060 yards and 16 touchdowns this season (in addition to 299 receiving yards and four scores), made the announcement on Twitter:

The 21-year-old Conner had his best season in 2014, rushing for 1,765 yards and 26 TDs and earning ACC Player of the Year honors. However, he suffered a season-ending knee injury in the 2015 season opener.

Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi also shared his appreciation and admiration for Conner, adding that the running back plans to play in the Pinstripe Bowl against Northwestern on Dec. 28:

In three-plus seasons at Pitt, Conner rushed for 3,701 yards and 52 TDs, while catching 29 passes for 409 yards and four TDs.