Pitt : Several Panthers Named to Pre-season Watch Lists

"Boyd and Conner Named to Maxwell, Hornung Award Watch Lists
Both players ranked among the ACC's top newcomers last year.
http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sp...070714aaa.html
PITTSBURGH--Last season as freshmen, wide receiver Tyler Boyd and running back James Conner established themselves as two of the brightest young talents in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Now sophomores, Boyd and Conner are beginning to see their reputations rise on the national level. Both players were named to the preseason watch lists for the Maxwell Award, given to college football's player of the year, and Paul Hornung Award, given to the country's most versatile player.
The Maxwell Award, presented by the Maxwell Football Club of Philadelphia in honor of Robert W. "Tiny" Maxwell, has been annually awarded since 1937. Two former Pitt players are past Maxwell recipients, running back Tony Dorsett in 1976 and defensive end Hugh Green in 1980.
The Paul Hornung Award presented by Texas Roadhouse was created in 2010 by the Louisville Sports Commission in honor of the former Notre Dame and Green Bay Packers great.
Boyd (Clairton, Pa./Clairton) was the nation's most productive freshman receiver last year, compiling 85 catches for 1,174 yards (13.8 avg.) and seven touchdowns. He set Pitt freshman records for receptions and yards, eclipsing marks held by Larry Fitzgerald (who had 69 catches for 1,005 yards in 2002). Boyd also set the ACC record for freshman receptions, topping the mark held by Clemson's Sammy Watkins (82 catches in 2011).
Boyd closed his freshman season with a magnificent performance in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, compiling 242 all-purpose yards to help the Panthers defeat Bowling Green, 30-27. He had eight catches for a career-high 173 yards (21.6 avg.) and added a 54-yard punt return for a touchdown. Boyd's receiving yardage against Bowling Green set a Pitt bowl record, surpassing the mark of 163 set by Gordon Jones in the Dec. 30, 1977, Gator Bowl against Clemson. His punt return TD was Pitt's first since Darrelle Revis had a 73-yarder vs. West Virginia in 2006.
An All-ACC selection by both the media (second team) and coaches (third team), Boyd additionally was named a Freshman All-American by no fewer than six outlets.

Conner (Erie, Pa./McDowell) led Pitt in rushing yards (799) and rushing touchdowns (eight), becoming the first freshman to lead the Panthers in those two categories since Dion Lewis in 2009. He averaged 5.5 yards on 146 carries in 12 games (missing the Oct. 19 Old Dominion game due to injury).
Conner's most memorable performance came in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl when he rushed for 229 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries (8.8 avg.). His rushing yardage set a Pitt bowl record, eclipsing Tony Dorsett's 202 yards vs. Georgia in the Jan. 1, 1977, Sugar Bowl. Conner also contributed as a pass rushing specialist vs. Bowling Green, drawing a key holding call on the Falcons' final possession, and was named the bowl's MVP.
Pitt head coach Paul Chryst has indicated Conner will play defensive snaps again in 2014. Describing him as a "throwback" player, NFL.com recently lauded Conner as one of the 14 toughest players in college football. ABC's Brent Musburger nicknamed Conner "The Hammer" after he bulled for two touchdowns against Notre Dame. His two-yard TD in the third quarter tied the game, 14-14, while his one-yard plunge in the fourth quarter provided the winning points in the Panthers' 28-21 upset of the No. 24 Fighting Irish.
Ticket packages for the 2014 Pitt football season can now be purchased online or by calling (800) 643-PITT (7488). Fans can choose from a wide array of options to accommodate as many different ticket preferences and requests as possible. Options include season-ticket packages for as low as $100, three-game mini-packages as well as single-game tickets.
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Artie Rowell Named to Rimington Trophy Watch List
The Rimington Trophy is presented to the nation's top center.
http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sp...070814aaa.html
PITTSBURGH--Pitt junior center Artie Rowell, one of the key building blocks for the Panthers' 2014 offensive line, has been named to the preseason watch list for the Rimington Trophy, annually presented to the "most outstanding center in college football."
One of four returning starters on Pitt's offensive front, Rowell is considered the glue of the unit. He started all 13 games last season and earned postseason media praise for his performance in the Panthers' 30-27 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl win over Bowling Green.
In that game, Pitt churned out 487 yards despite playing with an injury-plagued offensive line. Rowell garnered All-Bowl Team recognition from NFL.com and CollegeFootballNews.com for his performance in the victory.
A native of Harrisburg, Pa., Rowell was a four-year starter on both sides of the ball at Central Dauphin High School. He was selected first team All-State Class AAAA by the Pennsylvania Sports Writers and Pennsylvania Football News first team All-Class AAAA as a senior.
Ticket packages for the 2014 Pitt football season can be purchased online or by calling (800) 643-PITT (7488). Fans can choose from a wide array of options to accommodate as many different ticket preferences and requests as possible. Options include season-ticket packages for as low as $100, three-game mini-packages as well as single-game tickets.





Pitt Players on 2014 Award Watch Lists
Tyler Boyd--Wide Receiver
Maxwell Award (presented to the college player of the year)
Paul Hornung Award (presented to the nation's most versatile player)

James Conner-- Running Back
Maxwell Award (presented to the college player of the year)
Paul Hornung Award (presented to the nation's most versatile player)
Artie Rowell--Center
Rimington Trophy (presented to college football's most outstanding center)
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