Iowa vs. Pittsburgh NFL Draft Watch: Panthers RB James Conner

Sep 13, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) celebrates his touchdown in fourth quarter with offensive linesman Dorian Johnson (53) and offensive linesman T.J. Clemmings (68) during the game against the FIU Golden Panthers at FIU Stadium. Pitt won 42-25. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Who is 6’2″ 250 pounds and runs through, around, and past everyone who stands in his path? Pitt running back James Conner, that’s who.

Conner is a remarkable looking athlete for Pittsburgh, among the top five in the country in rushing yards (543), rushing touchdowns (8), and yards per game (181.3). This dude is the real deal, and he’s only a sophomore. After rushing for nearly 800 yards on 5.5 yards per carry as a freshman, Conner has assumed a full time role with the Panthers and is well on his way to shattering school records, which were set by some pretty notable players.

He’s already broken a record set over a three-game span by Pitt legend Tony Dorsett, and is currently 20 yards shy of the four-game mark, also set by Dorsett.

Conner isn’t quite NFL ready. He needs to work on pad level being a huge back as well as being patient in his reads. But that doesn’t mean the talent isn’t inherently there. This is an extremely impressive kid going up against an Iowa team today that has been shredded and susceptible to big plays against Northern Iowa, Ball State, and Iowa State.

Not exactly a glowing list of college teams there, so Conner should have the opportunity to make big plays against this team. He’s proven that big plays are part of his every game routine, and given scouts something to be excited about at the running back position.

Conner is quick to the edge and makes great cuts upfield. He doesn’t run like he’s 250 pounds as you would expect. You would assume someone at that size would be a ‘plodder’ or someone who only makes big runs up the middle of the field. This is a surprisingly agile, quick running back who can do a lot of things really well.

If you’re available to watch some early games today, Pitt vs. Iowa is a bit of an underrated matchup with some nice NFL talent.