PITTSBURGH -- James Conner is well aware every running back only has so many carries in his body. And for all hes given to Pittsburgh over the last four years, coming back for one more go around couldnt outweigh the chance to see if he can make it as a pro.Running backs already have a short lifespan, Conner said Monday. Wish I could have done more (at Pitt) to be honest, team wise, better records and stuff. I feel like Im ready. Thats my dream, going to the NFL and Im just asking for the opportunity.The ACCs all-time touchdown leader initially planned on putting off a decision until after Pitt (8-4) meets Northwestern (6-6) in the Pinstripe Bowl next week but opted to announce it earlier this month so he wouldnt be a distraction to the teams 19 seniors. Besides, the 21-year-old already had his mind made up, though that didnt keep coach Pat Narduzzi from making one last plea.He didnt want me to leave, Conner said on Monday. Hes saying all the `could bes.Not that Narduzzi put up much of a fight. Hes well aware of the path Conner took to get to this point. Conner hoped to make the jump to the NFL last year but a torn MCL in his right knee in the 2015 season opener and a very public battle with Hodgkin lymphoma last winter. Conner underwent months of draining treatment but returned in time for fall practice and gained strength as the season wore on. He finished with 1,060 yards rushing and 20 total touchdowns to push his career total to 56, the most in ACC history .The 2014 ACC player of the year appeared to get stronger as the season wore on. He topped 100 yards rushing in four of Pitts final five games, including 132 in an upset of Clemson on Nov. 12. Yet hes still aware hes got plenty to prove between now and the 2017 NFL draft in late April. Its why he had no interest in skipping the Panthers bowl game, something LSUs Leonard Fournette and Stanfords Christian McCaffrey are doing to avoid risk of injury.I just feel like Im going to take advantage of it really, showing the scouts Im back to my normal self and that I can compete at a high level after everything Ive been through, Conner said. Im playing, thats all I know.Just where the 6-foot-2, 240-pound Conner goes is up in the air. He said hes been unable to avoid draft projections -- most of which have him going in the middle to late rounds.I only need one team out of 32 to like my film, he said. Ive got to prepare myself for a good 40-yard dash time. Its up to me how far I get drafted.---More AP college football: http://collegefootball.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP-Top25Wilson Chandler Nets Jersey . Uniteds eighth defeat of a wretched campaign means Liverpool, which currently occupies the fourth and final Champions League place, could go nine points clear of its fierce rival by beating West Bromwich Albion on Sunday. Charlie Adam scored both of Stokes goals at Britannia Stadium either side of Robin van Persies equalizer, with a miserable day for seventh-place United capped by first-half injuries to centre halves Jonny Evans and Phil Jones that forced them off. Julius Erving Jersey . Numbers Game looks into the Canadiens securing the services of Thomas Vanek in a trade with the New York Islanders. The Canadiens Get: LW Thomas Vanek and a conditional fifth-round pick. https://www.netsrookiesshop.com/Rodions-Kurucs-City-Edition-Jersey/ .C. -- Al Jefferson joked that he feels he can score from anywhere on the court. Julius Erving Nets Jersey . -- Devin Hester is done returning kicks in Chicago. Henry Ellenson Nets Jersey . Parker had 26 points and eight assists and San Antonio beat Toronto 112-99 Monday night. "We won that game because of Tony Parkers aggressiveness," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "His juice; his aggression all night long.CHASKA, Minn. -- When Sir Alex Ferguson gave a motivational talk to Europes Ryder Cup team at Gleneagles two years ago, a lot was made of it.For all the non-golf aficionados who enjoy the biennial contest with America, it was probably one of the key things about the home sides landslide win at Gleneagles.So Paul OConnell, the former rugby legend and hard man, has much to live up to if he is to make the same impact on the public consciousness.Theres no finer an example of shoulder to shoulder than Paul OConnell, Europes Ryder Cup captain,?Darren Clarke, said on Tuesday. He has legendary status both at home and in terms of leading the British Lions, who obviously always play away from home.So with us being away from home, he was my choice to come and address the team. Im very excited to hear what he has to say and the way that hes going to put his thoughts across.OConnell was due to speak to the European team on Tuesday night local time after partnering with Niall Horan in the celebrity match at Hazeltine Nattional.dddddddddddde retired from rugby on medical advice in February after a career that saw him captain Munster, Ireland and the British and Irish Lions.The idea of standing shoulder to shoulder has been Europes motto at Hazeltine and is a theme in the song Irelands Call, which was commissioned by the Irish Rugby Football Union for use at international matches.Part of my whole thought process for this week is shoulder to shoulder, one team, one unit, Clarke explained. And with the rugby background that I have as well, it resonated with me. It was something that I pursued through my captaincy.We have spoken at length about what my whole thought process was, about my thinking for the team, and Paul is aware of that.From everybody that Ive spoken to who have heard Paul address teams, he is seriously inspirational. So I feel very fortunate and privileged that hes there to join us. ' ' '