University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt’s 2021 Ed Conway Award Winners Announced
4/24/2021 11:00:00 AM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Pitt head football coach Pat Narduzzi and his staff have selected the 2021 winners of the Ed Conway Award, presented to the most improved players of spring drills.
Sophomore running back Israel Abanikanda is the offensive recipient, while senior linebacker John Petrishen is the defensive honoree.
Abanikanda (Brooklyn, N.Y./Abraham Lincoln) established himself as a strong contender for a starting role with an exceptional spring. As a freshman letterman in 2020, he rushed for 95 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries (3.4 avg.), and added a receiving TD.
"Izzy has taken major strides in becoming a complete back," Narduzzi said. "His ability to run was always apparent. This spring he made excellent progress in his protections and overall assignments. Izzy is really putting it all together and it is exciting to see."
Petrishen (Lower Burrell, Pa./Pittsburgh Central Catholic) transitioned to linebacker in 2020, serving in a reserve role at the Star while also producing on special teams. Playing in all 11 games, he compiled 12 tackles, two TFLs and a blocked punt.
"Johnny's development this spring has been really exceptional," Narduzzi said. "He was obviously new to the linebacker position last season. But this spring the speed of his play and his confidence at the position really caught our eye. Johnny is another strength for that linebacker room."
The Conway Award has been presented since 1975 in honor of the late Ed Conway, who served as the radio play-by-play voice of Pitt football from 1970-73. A popular sports anchor with WTAE-TV, Conway passed away in 1974.
Pitt concludes spring drills today with the 2021 Blue-Gold Game presented by PNC at Heinz Field. Start time is 1 p.m. Television and radio coverage can be found on the ACC Network and AM 1020 KDKA.
Pitt football tickets for the 2021 season are now on sale. Fans can purchase full seven-game season ticket packages for as low as $175, while lower bowl seats are available starting at only $205. Flexible payment plans are available. For more information, click here or call (800) 643-7488.
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Sophomore running back Israel Abanikanda is the offensive recipient, while senior linebacker John Petrishen is the defensive honoree.
Abanikanda (Brooklyn, N.Y./Abraham Lincoln) established himself as a strong contender for a starting role with an exceptional spring. As a freshman letterman in 2020, he rushed for 95 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries (3.4 avg.), and added a receiving TD.
"Izzy has taken major strides in becoming a complete back," Narduzzi said. "His ability to run was always apparent. This spring he made excellent progress in his protections and overall assignments. Izzy is really putting it all together and it is exciting to see."
Petrishen (Lower Burrell, Pa./Pittsburgh Central Catholic) transitioned to linebacker in 2020, serving in a reserve role at the Star while also producing on special teams. Playing in all 11 games, he compiled 12 tackles, two TFLs and a blocked punt.
"Johnny's development this spring has been really exceptional," Narduzzi said. "He was obviously new to the linebacker position last season. But this spring the speed of his play and his confidence at the position really caught our eye. Johnny is another strength for that linebacker room."
The Conway Award has been presented since 1975 in honor of the late Ed Conway, who served as the radio play-by-play voice of Pitt football from 1970-73. A popular sports anchor with WTAE-TV, Conway passed away in 1974.
Pitt concludes spring drills today with the 2021 Blue-Gold Game presented by PNC at Heinz Field. Start time is 1 p.m. Television and radio coverage can be found on the ACC Network and AM 1020 KDKA.
Pitt football tickets for the 2021 season are now on sale. Fans can purchase full seven-game season ticket packages for as low as $175, while lower bowl seats are available starting at only $205. Flexible payment plans are available. For more information, click here or call (800) 643-7488.
#H2P | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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