The Pinstripe Bowl later this month will be James Conner's final game in a Pitt uniform.
Conner, the Panthers' star junior running back who was ACC player of the year in 2014, announced Saturday afternoon on Twitter he will declare for the 2017 NFL draft.
"Blessed to have been given the opportunity to play at this great university. I have given it everything I got and will do it one more time in New York City for my brothers at Pitt," read a photo tweeted by Conner, with a Pitt logo and his signature at the bottom. "When they talk about someone who made a positive impact on the program, I hope that they mention my name. Thank you to my family, my friends, everyone who made this possible. I will be declaring for the 2017 NFL draft."
In his first season back on the field after a season-ending knee injury followed by a diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma, Conner has rushed for 1,060 yards and 16 touchdowns entering the bowl game Dec. 28 against Northwestern at Yankee Stadium. Conner was at the College Football Awards show Thursday night in Atlanta to receive the Disney Sports Spirit Award.
