University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt’s 2025 Conway Award Winners Announced
4/12/2025 11:00:00 AM | Football
PITTSBURGH—University of Pittsburgh Chris Bickell '97 Head Football Coach Pat Narduzzi and his staff announced the 2025 winners of the Ed Conway Award, presented to the most improved players of spring drills.
Junior wide receiver Kenny Johnson is the offensive honoree, while sophomore cornerback Shadarian Harrison is the defensive recipient.
Johnson (York, Pa./Dallastown) has played in every single game during his Pitt career (25), making 15 starts. Last season, he compiled 46 catches for 537 yards (11.7 avg.) and three touchdowns. Also a special teams asset, Johnson's 524 combined kick return yards led the ACC and ranked 13th nationally.
"Kenny's attention to detail this spring was really impressive and set a tremendous example for his teammates," Narduzzi said. "That type of focus is going to elevate him from being a good receiver to a great receiver this year. I love that he has a smile on his face every day. Kenny loves the game and brings energy to every room he's in."
Harrison (Lakeland, Fla./Lakeland) played in eight games in his first active season in 2024, serving as a reserve corner and on special teams. He collected five total tackles on the year after taking a freshman redshirt in 2023.
"Shadarian took a huge leap forward this spring, mentally and physically," Narduzzi said. "He's a true student of the game, absorbing all the knowledge he can about cornerback play. In the weight room, he really made impressive gains. The man we like to call 'Dripp' took full advantage of every single spring practice repetition and we're really excited about his potential this fall."
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 at Acrisure Stadum with the 2025 Blue-Gold Game presented by MAC.BID.
Start time is 1 p.m. Coverage can be heard on Pitt flagship 93.7 The Fan.
Pitt football season-ticket pricing remains family friendly. Packages begin at $230 and offer flexible payment plans. Season-ticket holders are afforded an array of benefits, including priority on additional single-game home and away ticket requests as well as postseason games.
For pricing, seating maps, season-ticket holder benefits and more, click here or call (800) 643-7488. Inquiries may also be made via email (tickets@athletics.pitt.edu).
