AWARD WATCH: The Maxwell Football Club named Pitt running back James Conner and wide receiver Tyler Boyd to the Maxwell Award watch list, the University announced Tuesday. The award annually recognizes the best college football player in the nation. Two Panthers have won the award in the past, including running back Tony Dorsett in 1976 and defensive end Hugh Green in 1990.

BYE-BYE BUTLER: Class of 2016 defensive back recruit Tony Butler announced that he is decommitting from Pitt and re-opening his recruitment. Butler, a three-star recruit who committed to Pitt on March 21, is now looking at schools including Arizona State, Ohio State and Michigan, among others. Butler has not stated whether Pitt is still a potential landing spot.

JONES-SMITH DONE FOR YEAR: Jaryd Jones-Smith, the Panthers’ starting offensive tackle, will miss the entire 2015 season following a right knee injury he suffered during offseason workouts, Pitt announced on Thursday. Jones-Smith started three games last year and played in 13. Jones-Smith’s replacement in the starting lineup has not been announced.