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College Football: 15 best running backs in 2016

By Brad Weiss

Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 15, 2014; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) runs for a touchdown as North Carolina Tar Heels safety Dominquie Green (26) and cornerback Desmond Lawrence (2) defend in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2014; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) runs for a touchdown as North Carolina Tar Heels safety Dominquie Green (26) and cornerback Desmond Lawrence (2) defend in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

James Conner knows about battling. Not only will the star running back from the University of Pittsburgh be battling back from a torn MCL in 2016, but also a deadlier ailment. Conner was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma in December of 2015, but after waging an unbelievable battle against the disease, is cancer-free as of this past May.

Conner became known on the national stage as a freshman in 2013, when he was named the MVP of the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl. In that game, Conner rushed for 229 yards, breaking Tony Dorsett’s school record for yards in a bowl game. It was just a small glimpse into what he would do in 2014.

As a sophomore in 2014, Conner was an absolute beast, winning every award he could in the ACC. Conner was the ACC Player of the Year, the ACC Offensive Player of the Year, and a First-Team All-ACC selection. In addition, Conner was named a First-Team All-American.

In total, Conner rushed for 1,675 yards, which was good for fourth in the nation, and added 24 touchdowns. He headed into the 2015 season with high expectations, but they were quickly dashed.

The star back tore his MCL and other ligaments in his knee in the first game of the season, after rushing for 77 yards and two touchdowns in the first half against Youngstown State. The cancer diagnosis would follow, so it has been quite an uphill battle to get back.

Conner is ready to roll for the 2016 season, and if he competes like he did in his cancer battle, the competition better be ready.

Next: 10. Elijah Hood, University of North Carolina

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