Former McDowell, Pitt star and cancer survivor James Conner says he's now focused on football, ready to put emotion behind him.

LATROBE — James Conner gestured toward the practice fields at Saint Vincent College on Friday morning, acknowledging the tradition of a relationship between the school and the Pittsburgh Steelers organization that dates to franchise founder Art Rooney.

"It's just surreal, man, to finally be in NFL training camp, trying to make the team," said Conner, a former McDowell High School and University of Pittsburgh standout who became a third-round pick of the Steelers in April. "I'm just gonna do my best to soak it all in and work hard and try and be successful in every aspect."

Conner drew national attention after overcoming Hodgkin lymphoma to resume his college career and ultimately realize a childhood dream of turning pro. But when asked if he took any time after arriving in Latrobe on Thursday to savor the moment, he made it clear he's moved beyond the feel-good part of his story.

"I did that after I got drafted," Conner said. "That's behind me now. That's why there's no emotion about being a cancer survivor and everything. I'm a good football player. All the emotion about being a part of the NFL, that's behind me."

For some fans, though, he remains a compelling figure as he prepares for what's expected to be a backup role behind All-Pro Le'Veon Bell.

Derek Sutherland was among those in the stands at Greater Latrobe High School on Friday afternoon. The Steelers moved their practice there after an afternoon storm made the fields at Saint Vincent College unplayable.

Sutherland, 16, sat with his father, Brian, and wore a black No. 30 jersey as he settled in to watch Conner take his first training camp snaps. The jersey was a birthday gift from his parents two days earlier, and he said he was excited to follow Conner's NFL career after seeing him set records over three seasons at Pitt.

"I heard about the story of James Conner and I wanted to support him," said Sutherland, who plays football for Penn-Trafford High School. "He'll be a good power back. I want to see him truck people."

Conner's story is especially poignant for Sutherland, whose mother, Wendy, is a cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with colon cancer about 14 years ago but now is healthy.

"That makes this kind of big deal for us," Brian Sutherland said.

For Conner, the next six weeks are about carving out a role on a team stocked with stars. That includes Bell, who has not reported to training camp after failing to secure a long-term contract but is expected to eventually join the team and resume his starter's role ahead of Conner.

"I don't know all the details of the situation," Conner said Friday morning when asked about Bell's absence. "All I know is I have to master this playbook and be ready when they call number 30."

While some players took advantage of the run-up to camp to slip away for vacation, Conner remained in Pittsburgh training with defensive tackle Cam Heyward and center Maurkice Pouncey. Conner pronounced himself healthy Friday after suffering a hamstring injury during rookie mini-camp in May and said he's eager to get to work learning the offense.

"I believe in myself and my ability to overcome odds. I have since high school," he said. "The game speed's faster, the people get better, but I got better. I know I can play."

Conner's popularity goes beyond Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania. Earlier this week his jersey became the NFL's No. 1 seller, according to online figures compiled by Dick's Sporting Goods.

"It's a lot of support, a lot of love from everybody," Conner said of moving past New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady into the top spot. "I'll see a tweet or something that says I'm number one, and it feels good for about five seconds. Then you realize you haven't played yet, so you get back to reality very quick."

Conner is part of a rookie class that includes his camp roommate, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, cornerback Cam Sutton and first-round pick T.J. Watt, the pass rush specialist who is the younger brother of Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Even on a veteran team, the rookies are viewed as having the chance to contribute quickly, something Conner acknowledges when he says he needs to use camp as an opportunity to continually improve.

Asked where he needs to get better, he said, "In every category."

"My speed, my strength, everything," he added. "You're never good enough."

John Dudley can be reached at 870-1677 or by email. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/ETNdudley.