Erie’s James Conner May Be Totin’ The Rock Early For Panthers
by Ayo Fapohunda
Posted June 29, 2013 1:09 pm
Damion Terry, Delton Williams, Erie Mcdowell, Greg Garmon, James Connor, michigan state, pitt football, Rushel Shell
Photo Courtesy of 247sports.com
Preps.com over the years has done a great job covering the Erie area. We started of with McDowell speedster, Greg Garmon, and quickly moved on to Michigan State commits, Damion Terry and Delton Williams. As impressive as all those prospects were, University of Pittsburgh may have reeled in Pennsylvania’s best kept secret.
The first time we watched Conner’s junior tape, I immediately called Greg Garmon and Delton Williams, and wondered why the heck they hadn’t told me about this lumbering 6’3 235lb back, with excellent speed, footwork, and power. Playing in the shadows of Garmon kept this stud out of the limelight his junior year, but as soon as he got the nod, he immediately took advantage of the opportunity.
What makes Conner special is the fact that he has the size and strength to play either defensive end or outside linebacker and still be a difference maker. With the recent absence of Rushel Shell, it once again leaves an opportunity for Conner to shine and fill the void left by Shell. With Ray Graham gone and none of the starting running backs solidifying themselves as the clear cut starter, Conner could emerge out of camp the Day 1 leader.
The Pitt staff has a huge decision to make when deciding how fast they want to throw Conner in the fire with an offense that has plenty of fire power in the air attack. People may be in for a surprise when they see how talented this young Pitt team is, and with incoming freshman like Tyler Boyd, Dorian Johnson and Conner, the Pitt faithful could be in for a pleasant surprise this fall.
Below is Conner’s Senior Year Highlight Tape
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Damion Terry, Delton Williams, Erie Mcdowell, Greg Garmon, James Connor, michigan state, pitt football, Rushel Shell