If I'm James Conner

[Sean Miller Fan]

I come back for the Louisville game if cleared.......only if we beat Duke and UNC has a loss by then meaning we have a realistic shot at winning the Coastal. If I'm him and I'm healthy, the prospect of helping my brothers reach a monumental goal would be too much to pass up. If that scenario, doesn't present itself and we dont have a good shot to win the Coastal, its not worth it to come back for a couple regular season game and Pinstripe or Military Bowl.

Now, if I'm Conner's parents, I'm telling him not to come back under any circumstances and lets start interviewing agents.

 

[Panthertag]

If I'm Connor, I come back next year at full strength, bulldozing Penn State defensive linemen.

 

[CaptainMurphy]

I'd probably not come back at all. As much as he probably wants to come back and help his teammates, he is risking guaranteed big money. If he was a questionable NFL prospect, I'd think he'd need to come back to raise his stock. But he is probably a top three round pick, even with the knee injury. He can probably raise his stock greatly in the pre-draft workouts/combines anyways.

Also, recruits will hopefully take notice of how Narduzzi and staff have put Conner's NFL future in front of rushing him back at all costs. I've been very impressed with Narduzzi's comments on the matter, referencing that Conner needs to protect his future and that coming back would be a decision for him and his family.

Edit: Walter Football currently has him going late 3rd round to the Packers. I can only imagine how much better the Packers offense would be with both Lacy and Conner at RB.

 

[Pghfan]

I'd probably not come back at all. As much as he probably wants to come back and help his teammates, he is risking guaranteed big money. If he was a questionable NFL prospect, I'd think he'd need to come back to raise his stock. But he is probably a top three round pick, even with the knee injury. He can probably raise his stock greatly in the pre-draft workouts/combines anyways.

Also, recruits will hopefully take notice of how Narduzzi and staff have put Conner's NFL future in front of rushing him back at all costs. I've been very impressed with Narduzzi's comments on the matter, referencing that Conner needs to protect his future and that coming back would be a decision for him and his family.

Edit: Walter Football currently has him going late 3rd round to the Packers. I can only imagine how much better the Packers offense would be with both Lacy and Conner at RB.

he is not a top 3 round pick.. He is a questionable prospect, that is why the idea of him coming back isn't that crazy.. If you think any nfl team drafts James Conner in the top 3 rounds, you are completely out of your mind..

 

[upj87]

If I'm James Conner I'm preparing for pro day and not posting idiotic speculations on Pantherlair and I do not consider "the Mighty Coastal" a monumental goal...but hey, that's just me, James.......;

 

[CaptainMurphy]

he is not a top 3 round pick.. He is a questionable prospect, that is why the idea of him coming back isn't that crazy.. If you think any nfl team drafts James Conner in the top 3 rounds, you are completely out of your mind..

Not a top 3 round pick??? Of course he is, even with the knee injury this year. Walter Football is very reasonable and usually spot on and they currently have him going in the 3rd. I would expect that to rise, even without him stepping on the field.

Besides, if he re-injures the knee, he becomes a very late round pick at best.

 

[pittdan77]

I'm not sure what he'll do personally. It all depends on how pro teams see him today. A lot of the "draft" gurus have him as like the #6 RB in the draft....in 2017. Tells me they already know the answer.

 

[The Loaded Italian]

Yeah... I dont understand these people that say I wouldnt come back. First, this isnt a typical ACL down for the year injury. This is Pittsburgh, we are hard people... I was taught to play injured and go to school sick and all that... and I did. Not saying it is right... but he is on THIS team, and if he can help this team and is healthy, then you play. It is that simple.
I agree if he misses the year and has a substandard combine, which is definitely possible since he wasnt a big burner anyways, then he slips to maybe 5th round with the fact that RB arent taken high and the injury risk is there... so either play this year if you can, or come back next year and win the Heisman or be a front runner, and make way more money on a bigger contract

 

[ratking17]

If i am conner I only come back if pitt hires Jay paterno as my new offensive coordinator

 

[JoeScaz]

he is not a top 3 round pick.. He is a questionable prospect, that is why the idea of him coming back isn't that crazy.. If you think any nfl team drafts James Conner in the top 3 rounds, you are completely out of your mind..

I could not agree more. Yes, I want him back.. but it is not wishful thinking to say that MANY backs in situations like this.. fall to the 4th or 5th round, and never really get a shot or looked at seriously without "reestablishing" themselves. He could have a monster season, triple his draft stock, and jump to a Top 20 pick. He will not go better than the 3rd or 4th round, at best if he jumps after this year. Love the kid, and wish him well no matter what.

 

[JS School]

If i am conner I only come back if pitt hires Jay paterno as my new offensive coordinator

If i am Conner, I transfer to PSU, sit out a season, then split playing time 3 ways with Barkley and Sanders. Just for the chance to experience the overwheming awesomeness of James Franklin.

 

[rpastir]

he is not a top 3 round pick.. He is a questionable prospect, that is why the idea of him coming back isn't that crazy.. If you think any nfl team drafts James Conner in the top 3 rounds, you are completely out of your mind..

Two words: Willis Mcgahee

 

[Safety Blitz]

Two words: Willis Mcgahee

Several additional words: I like Conner. Great kid, but he is no Willis McGahee. Not even close. McGahee was much faster and far more elusive with size and power. He was closer to Dorsett on 'roids than a Conner with speed. Conner is a pile-driver who takes quite a beating. He would be wise to call it a career at Pitt and hope he goes at least 3rd round in the draft.

 

[bwh05]

Listen, I love James and hope he's here forever, but Lesean McCoy went in the 2nd round. Let that sink in. The 2nd round!!!! Connor isn't a great receiver, and big backs are generally out of vogue in the NFL. He also has a history of some injuries so he's likely looking at a late round draft grade unless someone falls in love with him. If he's physically able, he'd be smart to come back and put something on tape showing he's healthy. The "he should sit out because it's too risky" scenario probably doesn't fit with him like it would with someone like Boyd if he were hurt.

 

[Las Panteras]

Two words: Willis Mcgahee

Two More

Michael Bush

 

[Las Panteras]

He would be out of his mind to come back....particularly when the proving ground of CFB does little for his draft stock.

He is fortunate that he has the combines to prove his mettle. It is here....a healthy James Connor will make his money....not in a Panther uniform.

 

[BigWoof007]

What are the benefits for Connor if he comes back?

 

[Las Panteras]

Several additional words: I like Conner. Great kid, but he is no Willis McGahee. Not even close. McGahee was much faster and far more elusive with size and power. He was closer to Dorsett on 'roids than a Conner with speed. Conner is a pile-driver who takes quite a beating. He would be wise to call it a career at Pitt and hope he goes at least 3rd round in the draft.

ummmmmm....Mel Kiper,

The post was referring to the knee injury that McGahee suffered....not a comparison to Connor's running style.

 

[deepelemblues]

Several additional words: I like Conner. Great kid, but he is no Willis McGahee. Not even close. McGahee was much faster and far more elusive with size and power. He was closer to Dorsett on 'roids than a Conner with speed. Conner is a pile-driver who takes quite a beating. He would be wise to call it a career at Pitt and hope he goes at least 3rd round in the draft.

willis mcgahee and tony dorsett don't belong in the same sentence

 

[rpost3]

He comes off as a heady person, which means he's savvy enough to ignore everyone but his doctors and athletic trainers regarding returning this season.

Related topic: what's Pitt's record with Conner?
I think they're undefeated and a 1 point favorite this weekend against the Irish.
Not only is he the whole rushing offense, but we're finding out just how important the threat of him running the ball is to Boyd and the passing game. I think losing him costs Pitt 14 points a game.

 

[BigWoof007]

Ollison is a good player, but he just doesn't have the ability to break tackles like Connor does. In addition it seems people forget how good T.J. Clemmings was. The line has been above average this year, but not nearly as good as least year.

 

[JoseLind13]

Connor has top round talent, but realistically, he is unlikely to be drafted in the top 3 rounds this year.

Last year was the first time in 3 years that any RB was taken in Round 1. In recent years, 6 to 8 RBs are taken in the first 3 rounds, with the bulk of them taken in Round 3. The injury recovery, questions about how his running style translates to the NFL, and the declining emphasis on feature RBs in NFL offenses are all working against his draft ranking.

I would be thrilled for him, if taken early with a big payday, but he probably will need to make his millions the old-fashioned way, if he enters the draft after this season... sustained success for the big second and third contracts of his career.

 

[rpastir]

Several additional words: I like Conner. Great kid, but he is no Willis McGahee. Not even close. McGahee was much faster and far more elusive with size and power. He was closer to Dorsett on 'roids than a Conner with speed. Conner is a pile-driver who takes quite a beating. He would be wise to call it a career at Pitt and hope he goes at least 3rd round in the draft.

Wasn't comparing running styles. I was just pointing out that Willis Mcgahee was a FIRST round pick after suffering a much more devastating injury than Conner.

 

[Safety Blitz]

Wasn't comparing running styles. I was just pointing out that Willis Mcgahee was a FIRST round pick after suffering a much more devastating injury than Conner.

And I was just pointing out that, when it comes to the skills desired by NFL teams, McGahee was a far superior running back to Conner. Buffalo also had that looney-tune Donahue running its draft. Had it not been for him, McGahee would likely have lasted until the late second round, maybe even the third.

 

[Safety Blitz]

willis mcgahee and tony dorsett don't belong in the same sentence

Agree 1,000%. The point was McGahee had a running style far more desirable to NFL teams than does Conner. He could make defenders miss. Put McGahee and Conner in the same draft and you could likely take a short vacation between their selections even with McGahee's more sever injury. Conner is a great college back. I don't know how well that will translate to the next level. I understand from friends in Erie that he's a very highly regarded young man. I hope he proves me wrong.

 

[deepelemblues]

conner does make people "miss" with his stiff arm (which is the best i've ever seen in person college or pro) and he's actually very agile for his size - that sideways jump cut he does is great - but i agree in the NFL he's going to have to be more shifty in general. if i'm not mistaken all his college injuries have been leg-related and in the NFL his legs are going to get pounded on a weekly basis.

 

[Safety Blitz]

conner does make people "miss" with his stiff arm (which is the best i've ever seen in person college or pro) and he's actually very agile for his size - that sideways jump cut he does is great - but i agree in the NFL he's going to have to be more shifty in general. if i'm not mistaken all his college injuries have been leg-related and in the NFL his legs are going to get pounded on a weekly basis.

In the NFL, defensive ends run like college linebackers, 'backers run like college safeties, and safeties run like college corners. Running backs have to deal with a lot more size and speed on the other side of the ball. If Conner lands in the right system, he could be very successful. It's a tough way to make a living and careers don't last long when you take a big beating every week.