FAYETTEVILLE - Arkansas running back Knile Davis is practicing with the Razorbacks’ football team again, offensive coordinator Garrick McGee said Tuesday.
McGee said Davis was in back in pads at practice, but it was unclear whether Davis would return to game action or finish out a medical redshirt season in 2011.
“I don’t get to make those decisions, so I try to stay out of stuff I don’t have anything to do with,” McGee said.
VIDEO: Garrick McGee – Tuesday Post Practice
Davis suffered what was described as a season-ending injury Aug. 11 after breaking his ankle in a scrimmage. The injury, Davis’ fifth major one in less than four years, required surgery.
“He was really focused on having a huge season,” McGee said. “When that happened to him, we were sad for him, that he was not going to be able to help us this year and play the game he loves to play.
“Knile is the man. He battles back, he’s tough, he doesn’t get down. He’s on the sidelines, he’s in the meetings and he’s really helped us a lot this year. He’s helped us without carrying the football.”
The Missouri City, Texas native rushed for 1,322 yards and 13 touchdowns as a sophomore, the most among any running back in the Southeastern Conference.
Davis returned to practice within the last two weeks, Arkansas running backs coach Tim Horton said, noting Davis has been able to go through individual workouts and some team drills.
“He’s close to being ready to play,” Horton said. “Whether he will or not remains to be seen and he probably won’t. It’s really nice to have him out there doing what he can right now.”
If Davis were to return, he would help a Razorbacks rushing game that ranks ninth in the SEC with 144.4 yards per game this season. Horton said that number is a bit misleading and has been happy with the emergence of Dennis Johnson as a feature back in recent weeks.
“We’re pleased with the progress we’ve made in the running game,” Horton said. “The thing we look at is I think we’re second in the SEC in yards per carry. Right now we’re throwing the ball fairly well. When you can run it for 4.6 per snap, we’re pleased with that.”
For now, just having Davis back is a boost in morale for a team riding high on the heels of six straight wins. The No. 6 Razorbacks (9-1, 5-1 SEC) host Mississippi State Saturday at Little Rock’s War Memorial Stadium.
“Knile is a great leader and when you see him out there, it puts a smile on everybody’s face,” said fifth-year senior offensive guard Grant Cook. “He was running around and getting some stuff done today, so that was exciting to see.”
You can follow Matt Jones on Twitter @NWAMatt.
just use medical redshirt, don’t waste a season on two games.
As if ol’ Les Miles isn’t puckered up enough at the prospect of having to play us for all the marbles! Ha! I bet he would poop a gold brick if Knile Davis is back in the starting lineup. Welcome back Knile!!WOOPIGS!!
Gille, we won’t have Knile for more than 1 full year anyway and he has 2 years of eligibility. If HE is medically cleared and chooses to come back, I’ll be holding my breath for his health (between cheering him on.)
Knile seems like a great young man and I am somewhat concerned for his health. He needs to drink 5 glasses of milk per day and get strong, strong before he decides to return. And he alone knows when he is ready.
It is one thing to be going through the motions in practice. It is another thing to be making hard lateral plants and cuts at full speed. Love you Knile but don’t rush it man.
Knile won’t be here in 2013 regardless if he plays this season or not.
so you think next year is Knile’s last year Mrprfct?
BP said if he had a good year next year , he would be gone.
It’s not happening people. @galynapper (twitter)
Knile told me personally that he plans on staying 2 more years. So if you don’t know what you’re talking about, don’t say anything, because you’re opinion is worth no more then anyone else’s.
Knile would tell you anything you wanted to hear Luke, because he owes you NOTHING! I’m telling you I plan to get a job as the head coach for the razorbacks. Doesn’t mean anythings going to happen with that. Listen I’d love to have knile for two more years as much as anyone, but why would he? He’ll have been here 4 years, he’ll have a degree, so what better time is there to start his career?
Knile also told me personally that I didn’t know anything and should keep my mouth shut as well. But we all see how that worked out didn’t we. What ever KD decides to lets wish him the best of luck and thank him for his time as a Razorback.
So, Lukehawg, has he told you personally if he thinks he is playing this year? (i.e. is this one of the 2 more years?)
I love coach McGee but man he sure can sound patronizing sometimes, like when he responds to a question with that tone, as though it was a stupid question to ask. Wish he would cut that out.
Can’t wait to see you back next Knile, be it next year or in the bowl game.
5 years in college is fun for everyone … that doesn’t have to forgo a 6 or 7 figure check to do it.
Come on back Knile! (only if you’re full speed and fully healed of course)
man, it would really be great if he came back for the lsu game…. dj has been doing a great job, but can u imagine with both them guys in our backfield and with the passing game we have, if les miles thought that that would be the case he wouldnt be able to sleep between now and the 25th…lol
Whether knile stays one or two more years, he does not need to come back this season. Just because he’s practicing doesn’t mean that Saturday’s even in consideration for this season. Those of you who’ve played football can understand that. Tank practiced for a couple weeks before playing so I doubt that petrino will put our workhorse for next year for two games this season. He’s broken both ankles, one twice, so he needs to plant himself on the sidelines and break out 2012. Again.
WPS!!
Hear, hear Brian. And he needs to wrap those ankles up doubly tight in ace bandages for at least the first year of his comeback.
Be honest guys Knile Davis is not going to play 2 more years of college football, unless he has a terrible season next year. He is good enough to go pro easily after 1 more solid campaign. He is a solid pro prospect because of his talent, production, and his size. He is the Ultimate all-purpose back, much faster than Trent Richardson and although not as powerful, still very powerful.
God is the most powerful of all. He is all powerful. He would have made a hell of a running back.
Not as powerful as Trent Richardson?
Bench press 425 pounds regularly (more than half of our offensive line).
4.29 seconds in the 40 meter dash.
He is more powerful and faster than Trent Richardson. That’s why he led the SEC in rushing last year. He is the best running back in college football hands down. He can get to the second level in a hurry and no one is going to catch him from behind.
Trent Richardson is strong and may be the overall more pro-ready back but I’ll still take knile because of his background and struggles overcoming the odds. Richardson is really strong and has great vision but he’s never had to overcome injury the way knile has. It’s kind of been a blessing and a curse at the same time.
Les Myles would freak if Knile Davis and Dennis Johnson ran out on the field at the same time,I WOULD TO.
I agree with JFM. Physically Knile is a freak, as gifted as any running back the UofA has produced. He’s a phenomenal running back when fully healthy and I truly think he could go for 2000 yards behind a solid offensive line.
Knile IS a freak! I seriously doubt he’d play his senior year – he’s injury prone and should go pro if the opportunity is there, so I also doubt he’s worried about losing a year. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him play this season.
i am like you hog jim les miles would not be able to sleep at all until after the lsu game which could be a blessing for arkansas.if he new dj and niles and boderick green all three of them came running out of the tunnel .go hogs go .
Would the heisman be enough motivation for him to stick out his senior year? He is extremely talented and kinda sprung up out of the blue and then gets hurt yet people still talk about his abilities. I wonder if they have kept him out to be a shot in the arm at the year end. I’m not doubting his injuries I’m just saying the coaching staff seemed to jump on the whole “season ending injury” very quickly. No recent film to review for LSU. Only a huge amount of serious stats for a RB. you cannbet mr. Miles is having some scary dreams at night and Kniles Davis is in them. I would say if he happens to show up in pads Saturday the sight of the blood draining from his face would be priceless!
Just saying…first play @ LSU…Knile in the wildhog, flanked by DJ, with Mama That’s Joe in motion. Who do you key? Paul Eels says…Touchdown, Arkansas…Oh my!
“He was running around and getting some stuff done today, so that was exciting to see.”
I’d love to see #7 in some pads Saturday, even if he didn’t play.
Give them Tigers something to think about, and talk about drawing some attention on a play-action pass !!
Trent Richardson is stronger than Knile. I know that sounds impossible because of Knile’s great weight room numbers, but Trent’s are even better.
No Knile in the WildHog. Let’s let the WildHog go. It served its purpose. Let’s let our QB actually play QB.
It would take him at least 2 to 3 games against this kind of competition to get into season form. Then seasons done! Play it safe and come along slowly and dont waste the med. redshirt! But you could still play headgames with Miles if you think he’s dumb enough to believe theres a chance in which I doubt.
if Knile would commit to CP to come back for 2012 season and he’s healthy, I would play him. He has had so much pain and injury I think we owe it to him if he wants to play. As others have commented–he won’t be here fro 2 more years anyway.
Knile is pro ready…however, could he be considered a risk because of his injuries? I thought this was the second major ankle injury he’s had. I know if I were a NFL general manager, I would be hesitant. I really think Knile is a great RB, but I also think Dennis Johnson is a great RB and only getting better each week. If I were the coach, if Knile isn’t 100%, I would run with Johnson, if he’s 100%, I would give him a few carries. Whether or not Knile stays after next year will be how good of a season he has next year. If it’s mediocre or has another injury, I’m not sure he will begin any career in the NFL.
Hey, just the intimidation factor alone is enough to strike fear across The League. With how DJ has been running, and punishing people lately; can you imagine what just the mere thought of Knile even being available would do. Shoot. I’d be wouldn’t be sleeping.
No brainer folks. Knile is on the practice field to see if he can go; and get cleared by Medical Staff. If he is cleared (McGee has NO say, he is not trying to patronize or be arrogant); then and only then why would he NOT play when we have 4 games left?
If he is cleared…
4 Touches against MSU
8 Touches against LSU
10 Touches against Georgia
12 Touches against whatever other team is fortunate to make it to NC Game?
Lets just hope he is cleared to play ASAP, then whoever we play; right now it is MSU it will only be a good thing.
I like your thinkin Hog Authority, start him slow in the 1st 2, and let him loose in the last 2.
From what I understand Knile won’t be back next year, so let’s play him now.
According to CBP he won’t be back this year. He still has surgical hardware that has to be removed.
http://espn.go.com/blog/sec
He should set out this year to let his ankle heal more. The extra time will do it good and he’ll have his run of the SEC next year.
Without a doubt the fans, coaches and KD himself want to see him back on the field. With that said if we do indeed see him this weekend it’s assured we have him one more year at the most. Like most I think just having him dressed out on the sideline for maybe an emergency situation would cause some coaches and defensive coordinators some antsy feelings. I’m sure he already knows (or thinks) what is best for him and all we can hope is that it is the right decision.
My 2 cents worth:
I don’t think they are planning on playing him, especially in light of the article saying he still has hardware in his ankle. I think he is taking advantage of practice time to get back into shape and stay sharp with the offense.
I hope he does not play. First, I do not want to risk a re-injury or a different injury because he is not completely healed. We appear to be just fine at RB right now with Johnson, backed up by Wingo and Green. Finally, I would be shocked, absolutely shocked, if Knile is not back next year (sorry MRPRFCT, not doubting your source but it just doesn’t make sense). He will only be a junior and it is doubtful an NFL would spend a high draft choice on him coming off an injury and not having played any games for over a year. They will want to see him play a season and see how he holds up. Leaving for the pros now would be a mistake akin to Scotty Thurman, Darnell Robinson, etc. He needs another season to get healthy and prove it to the pros.
I agree with Memphis and as I stated, he’s good, but a major ankle surgery, plus I believe he’s had one before…what NFL team in their right mind would take him? If I were Knile, I would practice today, for an awesome season next year at Arkansas!
I have no doubt he will be back next year, the NFL is not going to draft him after sitting out this year, plain and simple! He plays 1 more year and if a great season, he’s a 1st rounder if just a respectable one he’s probably still a 3rd to 4th rounder.He’s the type guy that may stay 2 more years too!
ESPN posted an article by Herbstreet stating Kniles Davis has had 6 different injuries during his football career (including high school). 2 of which were both broken ankles bilaterally. I, like everyone here, would love to see him against LSU take the field but I think we are served far better by waiting and here is a couple of reasons:
1. With past injuries Davis has endured, any NFL team will want to see ability and skill subsequent to the injury. If we don’t play him this year and utilize the medical red shirt to the fullest-he can’t show anyone anything till next year. His value would be significantly decreased in the NFL without showing some reps.
2. There is a bad taste right now in the NFL with the negative press Peyton Hillis is getting regarding his hamstring injury. He has missed a lot of playing time and we have to remember, the NFL is a business, if davis is on the bench his stock drops. I think Kniles, NFL, and the razorbacks would all benefit tremendously for him to stay. His stock goes up with a big 2012 season, the hogs get a shot at another BCS bowl in 2012, and the NFL team who gets him is confident in their acquisition of one of the best running backs in the country.
3. If he stays next year, has a great season as before, he has to be in the Heisman conversation. We might could get him for additional time if he is in consideration.
All in all I think we are better served by letting him dress out in pads, but keep him on the sidelines. Just to keep the question in their mind. It is highly doubtful with hardware still present he would play but if Dennis goes down and Wingo gets hurt Green would need a wingman to mix it up. It would be an emergency case situation for that to happen and only then would it even be considered.
How hard is it to spell Knile correctly?
mohogg,
It is 16.6% easier if you know that you don’t need the (s). I am sure it is one of those things were the people misspelling simply don’t know. Knile is one of the tricky words that can easily be misspelled in the translation of the way it sounds, like I misspell (recieve) all the time. i.e I bet not too many people misspell your name and call you mohoggs?
With regard to Knile. I still say, if Knile is cleared to play by Medical Staff, he will play this year. He wants to play, and ultimately CBP will have to accommodate if he has been cleared. If I am Knile I got one more year period.
Well, you are the Authority. I will sure enjoy watching Knile Davis play, whenever that is.
In short mohogg, we need movictories….
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