Pitt RB James Conner scores twice in first game back after cancer diagnosis

In his first game back after his cancer diagnosis, Pittsburgh running back James Conner found a familiar place: The end zone.

The first touchdown of the season for the Panthers came courtesy of Conner. On a second-quarter carry, the junior bounced the ball outside and mashed his way through a Villanova defender for a three-yard score to give his team a 7-0 lead.

Later in the quarter, Conner found the end zone again, this time on a nice throw from quarterback Nate Peterman.

It’s been a long road back for Conner, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in November 2015 and announced in May that he is cancer-free.

Conner, the 2014 ACC Player of the Year, continued to train for the 2016 season while undergoing chemotherapy treatment before returning for preseason practice.

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Conner, a 6-foot-2, 240-pound redshirt junior, missed the 2015 season after injuring his knee in the Panthers’ season opener against Youngstown State. In 2014, Conner rushed for 1,765 yards and 26 touchdowns en route to All-American honors.

Conner finished the day with 53 yards on 17 carries along with three receptions for 16 yards. Pitt won 28-7.

For more Pittsburgh news, visit Panther-lair.com.

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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!

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