PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It’s crazy how it works out, the running back who gave the Steelers defense a scout team look at James Conner, was Conner’s college teammate.
As the Steelers prepare for Arizona on Sunday, it was Qadree Ollison who presented the defense with a look of his old teammate during practice this week.
“I played with him for three years in college,” Ollison said Thursday. “I know how he runs. I know what he likes to do. I feel like I can give a good look for the defense.”
Ollison said Conner has always been like a big brother to him. When he came to Pitt on his official visit, it was Conner who hosted Ollison. He said what stuck out to him about Conner was what we found out over time, that Conner always had positive energy. He was always laughing, happy for his teammates and said he’s one of the funniest people you could ever meet.
The now 27-year-old Ollison said he admired how Conner dealt with the cancer diagnosis and then how hard he worked to get back. Not just working to get back on the team, but working to be one of the best in the game. Ollison, now a Steelers practice squad running back, said dealing with cancer and the knee injury could have broken a lot of people, but not James.
“I was there when he went through all of the trials and tribulations,” Ollison said, adding he’s excited Conner gets this opportunity. “To see him still be in the NFL and one of the best backs in the league, I’m happy for him. I’ll be excited to see him on Sunday.”