Conner out for season
Youngstown State linebacker Jaylin Kelly (40) tackles Pittsburgh running back James Conner (24) in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi revealed Monday running back James Conner was lost for the season with a torn right MCL.
PITTSBURGH – Pat Narduzzi’s fear became a reality Sunday when tests revealed Pitt junior running back James Conner tore his right MCL in the Panthers’ win over Youngstown State Saturday and will miss the rest of the 2015 season.
Conner, the reigning ACC Player of the year, is expected to have surgery sometime this week. He rushed for 79 yards on eight carries with a pair of first-quarter touchdowns against the Penguins Saturday before leaving in the second quarter.
Conner spent the remainder of the game on the sideline and was not in uniform during the second half. According to Narduzzi, the Panthers’ first-year head coach, Conner stressed he was OK after the injury occurred, but doctors determined further tests were needed.
“After further evaluation, the doctors looked at him on Sunday, he has a knee issue that’s going to need repaired. He probably, or he will, it’s so hard to believe, but we’ll lose him for the season with an MCL [injury] probably,” Narduzzi said at his press conference Monday. “It’s nothing you like to come up here (and talk about) as a coach. You just feel awful for him.
“There is not a guy that worked harder than him during camp. I don’t think he missed a snap, a play, a practice. I don’t think there’s anyone more hurt than him. I’m disappointed for him, and obviously, his family.”
Narduzzi initially held James out as a precaution, saying after the win Conner would have reentered against a conference opponent. Conner was not available to talk to reporters, but he did comment through a news release.
“I greatly appreciate everyone’s support and well wishes,” Conner said. “This is a temporary setback and I’m going to work even harder to bounce back. Even though I won’t be able to play this season, I’m going to be right beside my teammates and help them every way I can to have a great season.”
Narduzzi declined to speculate on which play the injury occurred, but Conner left following a 9-yard run early in the second quarter when Youngstown State cornerback Kenneth Durden dragged him down by his right leg. Conner rushed for 1,800 yards and 26 touchdowns last season.
The Panthers do have options at running back. Though sophomore Chris James also left Saturday’s game with an injury, Narduzzi said he expects him to play Saturday at Akron (0-1). Redshirt freshman Qadree Ollison rushed for 207 yards and a touchdown against the Penguins and freshman Darrin Hall also played against Youngstown State. The foursome combined for 325 rushing yards.
“I mean, you wish you had the ACC Player of the Year. You feel a little less [good] about [the depth] than you normally would, but there’s no doubt that we have guys that can make plays,” Narduzzi said.
“You talk about stepping up and making a play when a guy is down, so we feel good about where we can go with that, but I obviously feel sad for James and what he has to go through. Our kids will stick with him and he will continue to be a big part of our football team and the season.”
Senior center Artie Rowell is all too familiar with Conner’s situation. Rowell tore his ACL against Boston College one year ago Saturday and returned to the field against Youngstown State.
“James is upset and personally, I know what he feels,” Rowell said. “It’s challenging. You work so much and you put so much energy into on the field and off the field preparation. It’s hard to deal with, but if there is one person on the team that can do it, it’s him. Like (Narduzzi) said, James is a very tough kid and his work ethic is second to none. He’ll do everything he needs to do to get back.”