RB Daniel Carter, LB Bangally Kamara named most improved players in Pitt spring drills

In advance of Pitt’s Blue-Gold game Saturday at Heinz Field, coach Pat Narduzzi announced that redshirt junior running back Daniel Carter and junior outside linebacker Bangally Kamara have been named winners of the Ed Conway Award for most improved players during spring drills.

Carter, a big back at 5-foot-10, 240 pounds, has played sparingly throughout his previous seasons at Pitt, compiling 86 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries and catching three passes for 18 yards and a touchdown this season against Georgia Tech. He rushed eight times for 29 yards and a score against UMass last season.

But this spring, Carter gained some significant traction in his quest for more playing time. By all accounts from coaches, he had been playing well from the outset of drills Feb. 28. He may get several opportunities Saturday with running back Rodney Hammond Jr. already ruled out of the game.

Kamara (6-2, 220) has worked his way toward a starting job at the money linebacker position, beginning last season when he recorded 11 tackles (three against Michigan State in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl) and two sacks in a reserve role. Also, his 10-yard sack at Syracuse caused a fumble.

Kamara’s development this spring has been important after Pitt lost linebackers Phil Campbell III, John Petrishen, Cam Bright and Chase Pine — all of whom played on the outside.

The Conway Award has been given since 1975 in honor of Ed Conway, who was the radio play-by-play voice of Pitt football from 1970-73 and a sports anchor on WTAE-TV. Conway died in 1974.

Last year’s winners — running back Izzy Abanikanda and Petrishen — became key members of the team that won the ACC championship. Abanikanda was Pitt’s leading rusher (651 yards, 5.3 per carry) and Petrishen was third in tackles (74), tied for the team lead in interceptions (three) and contributed 4 1/2 sacks.