As the preseason College Football Award watch lists come out, more and more Pittsburgh Panthers find themselves among those in contention for the respective awards. Among those recently named are Adam Bisnowaty, Dorian Johnson, James Conner, and Jordan Whitehead. Bisnowaty and Johnson were named to the Outland Trophy watch list for top interior lineman. Conner was recently named to the list for the prestigious Doak Walker Award given to the best running back in college football. Finally, Whitehead was selected to the Bronko Nagurski watch list for the National Defensive Player of the Year.

Bisnowaty and Johnson are both senior offensive lineman leading the line in front of Nate Peterman. Bisnowaty started 12 games last season at left tackle and he was named an All-ACC first team player by the coaches. He also finished 4th in the voting for the ACC Jacobs Blocking Trophy. Johnson started all 13 games last season as the left guard alongside Bisnowaty. He has started 27 consecutive games dating back to his freshman year on the offensive line. He earned a selection to the All-ACC second team on 2015.

James Conner continues his incredible journey from his battle with cancer. He was named ACC Player of the Year in 2014 and missed all of 2015 after suffering an MCL tear in the first week of the season. Conner put up incredible numbers during his sophomore season and was missed by Pitt’s offense a year ago. Coming off his battle with cancer, he looks to return to his form of 2014 and lead the offense on the ground.

Jordan Whitehead made an immediate impact on both sides of the ball as a true freshman. While contributing 2 rushing touchdowns, his biggest impact was at his natural safety position. He led the team in tackles with 109. Whitehead was named the ACC Rookie of the Year, and ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year after his stunning season. His breakout freshman season earned him a place in the conversation of the nation’s top defensive players.

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