Knile Davis

While Bobby Petrino's offense has typically led to gaudy statistics for its quarterbacks and receivers, Davis proved in 2010 that running backs can certainly enjoy success in his scheme, pacing the SEC with 1,322 yards and chipping in 13 touchdowns despite only starting eight of 13 games. Blessed with a similar combination of size and speed that helped former Hog Darren McFadden earn the No. 4 overall pick of the 2008 draft, Davis' 6.48 yards per attempt led the NCAA among running backs who logged at least 200 carries. Perhaps most exciting, Davis seemed to get stronger as the season went on, posting 100-plus yards in each of his final five games. With a talented supporting cast around him, Davis looked poised to build upon his impressive 2010 campaign last season but suffered a broken ankle during a fall scrimmage, ending his junior campaign before it even really started. He returned in 2012, but whether it was due to Petrino's departure and the struggles of the entire team or if Davis wasn't back to 100 percent health, he averaged just 3.4 yards on 112 carries with two touchdowns. Davis was eligible to play another season due to his 2011 injury, but opted to entire the NFL Draft. Davis worked his tail off to return from injury, but he ran too hesitant and indecisive this past season, including issues with ball security. He was caught stopping his feet too much, routinely looking to bounce runs outside and not running with much conviction. But NFL scouts are hopeful he can return to his 2010 form. A physical freak with the upside to warrant early round consideration, Davis' NFL draft stock ultimately will hinge on the medical grade he's given by team doctors.

strengths

Scouts like Davis' size, breakaway speed and soft hands out of the backfield. He's worked hard to become a reliable pass blocker and is highly respected by his teammates and the coaching staff, earning the captain role as both a junior (2011) and senior (2012).

compares to

Darren McFadden, Raiders - Like McFadden, Davis has good size and speed - at least pre-injury. But he also runs with a relatively high-center of gravity, which causes him to run a bit upright and absorb big hits from defenders.

weaknesses

He is a bit stiff, especially in his upper body, and has struggled with ankle injuries throughout his football career, dating back to high school.

2012: Left the Mississippi game with an apparent hamstring injury. 2011: Suffered a season-ending broken ankle during a fall scrimmage.

Davis played for Fort Bend Marshall High School and as a senior. He had 33 carries for 278 yards and two touchdowns as well as three receptions for 46 yards. He finished his junior season with 425 rushing yards and four touchdowns, despite playing in only four games due to a fractured collarbone. He was rated the No. 17 running back in the nation by Rivals and No. 23 by Scout. Rivals.com also listed him as the No. 18 prospect in the state of Texas and he was on the Rivals.com 250 list. He was also selected as the second-best running back in the state of Texas by The Dallas Morning News. He bench pressed 350 pounds and squatted 450 pounds. He had a 31-inch vertical leap. He was coached in high school by Darryl Phipps and also ran track. He selected Arkansas over Oklahoma, LSU, Missouri, Nebraska, Georgia Tech and Texas A&M.

Davis was born Oct. 5, 1991, and he is the son Regina Gardner and the late Kevin Davis. He is enrolled in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.