Pitt RB and Cancer Survivor James Conner Declares for 2017 NFL Draft

George Gojkovich/Getty Images(PITTSBURGH) — University of Pittsburgh running back James Conner has declared for the NFL Draft, one year after he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Conner, a redshirt junior, made the announcement on Twitter.

Last September, Conner’s diagnosis was revealed. After 12 chemotherapy sessions, he returned this past September, and became a first-time All-ACC selection. In 2014, he was the ACC Player of the Year.

Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi praised Conner on Twitter, saying “His strength, his courage and his kindness have impacted all of us beyond measure.”

Conner also received the 2016 Disney Sports Spirit Award Thursday, which recognizes college football’s most inspirational figure.

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Before Conner graduates, he and the Panthers will face Northwestern in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl on December 28th.

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