Pitt RB James Conner says he's going to join Myles Jack again as someone who plays both offense and defense.
The Panthers' leading rusher said Monday that he's going to play some defensive end against Virginia Tech on Thursday.
“I'm going to get that thing going this week on the defensive side of the ball,” Conner said via TribLive.com. “I'll be out there Thursday."
It's not Conner's first time on defense in college, but any appearance against Virginia Tech will be the first time he's played on that side of the ball in 2014. He played on defense in the Little Caesar's Bowl, the final game of Pitt's 2013 season, and drew a holding call late in the Panthers' win over Bowling Green.
This season, Pitt, 3-3, has 12 sacks in six games.
Jack, UCLA's dual-threat, plays both running back and linebacker. He has 13 carries for 39 yards as a running back and 47 tackles and four pass breakups as a linebacker.
Conner has been one of the best (offensive) rushers in the country this season. He has 874 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. While he practiced at both positions in preparation for the 2014 season, he hasn't seen a snap on defense, perhaps because he's been so good on offense.
And his focus will probably stay there. As you can see with his workload in 2014, UCLA has determined that Jack's biggest value is to UCLA on defense. Conner is the epicenter of Pitt's offense. While he may be an effective pass-rush specialist, Pitt coach Paul Chryst will likely limit his defensive snaps to keep him fresh to run the ball.
For more Pitt news, visit the Panther Lair.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
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