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2017 NFL Draft: James Conner, Josh Dobbs looking good

By George Stockburger

Sep 5, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs running back Donnel Pumphrey (19) rushes during the first half of the game against the San Diego Toreros at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs running back Donnel Pumphrey (19) rushes during the first half of the game against the San Diego Toreros at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 29, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back Qadree Ollison (left) and running back James Conner (24) and linebacker Jamal Davis (right) pose for a photo before playing the North Carolina Tar Heels at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back Qadree Ollison (left) and running back James Conner (24) and linebacker Jamal Davis (right) pose for a photo before playing the North Carolina Tar Heels at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

James Conner: Stock up

Hands down the greatest story in college football this season is that of Pittsburgh running back James Conner. As a sophomore Conner was named ACC Offensive Player of the Year thanks to 26 rushing touchdowns and nearly 1800 yards.

In the first game of his junior season, Conner suffered a torn ACL and was out for the remainder of the season. While receiving treatment for a major knee injury, James Conner was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. Football became secondary as he received multiple painstaking chemotherapy treatments.

Despite undergoing cancer treatment, James Conner was back on the practice field getting himself back into football shape. Wearing a surgical mask, the running back was seen running drills with his teammates; a true testament to the kind of person he is.

After successfully beating cancer and recovering from major knee surgery, James Conner returned to the football field as Pitts starting running back. In the season opener against Villanova, James Conner scored his first touchdown in over a year.

Last week against Penn State, he erupted with 117 rushing yards and three touchdowns. James Conner is exactly what football needs, and NFL teams are taking notice. A superstar both on and off the field, the future is incredibly bright for number 24.

Next: Josh Dobbs

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