MORE HEADLINES - Talk with other Pitt fans about Conner's decision | Pitt has a big offensive line prospect on campus this weekend | Here's a breakdown of 9 other recruits visiting Pitt | What recruits did the coaches visit this week?

The face of Pitt's 2016 team will be playing in the NFL next season, as James Conner announced Saturday that he will be entering the 2017 Draft.

Conner made his announcement on Twitter.

Conner was a national story this season, leading Pitt in rushing with 1,060 yards and 16 touchdowns on 208 carries (5.1 yards per attempt) and adding four more touchdowns and 299 yards on 20 receptions. But he did all of that after being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma last November; Conner underwent chemotherapy throughout the spring and was declared free of cancer in the summer.

His tale of courage and resilience became an inspiration on the local and national levels and extended beyond the world of sports. On Thursday night, he was presented with the 2016 Disney Sports Spirit Award, which is presented to the most inspirational person in sports.

Conner's off-field reputation was only enhanced by what he did on the field. With his touchdowns this season, Conner set the ACC record for career rushing scores (52) and career total touchdowns (56). He rushed for 3,701 yards in his career, the second-most in Pitt history behind only Tony Dorsett.

Conner will finish his Pitt career against Northwestern in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl in New York City on Dec. 28.

Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi released a statement on Twitter.