Pitt's Conner Named To Third Watch List
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) - Reigning ACC Player of The Year James Conner has been named to the watch list for the Doak Walker Award, given annually at season's end to the nation's best running back. It marks the third preseason list to include the Pitt junior running back.
Conner, who checks in this season at 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, joins two semifinalists from the 2014 award: Georgia Southern's Matt Breida and Marshall's Devon Johnson. Georgia's Nick Chubb has been projected by many analysts to win the 2015 Heisman Trophy and is also on the list.
Conner has additionally been named to Athlon Sports' and Phil Steele's preseason All-America teams after rushing for 1,765 yards and 26 touchdowns last season.
He broke three Pitt season records — rushing touchdowns, total touchdowns (26) and scoring (156 points), all of which were set by Tony Dorsett in 1976, the year he claimed the Heisman Trophy.
Penn State's Akeel Lynch was also named to the list.
