Knile Davis, RB

03/16/2013 - Arkansas RB Davis out to prove health, talent...Perhaps more than any of the workout participants, Davis is a wild card entering Friday's on-campus pro day and next month's NFL draft. The problem for the Texas native, though, is there's no way he can answer the one question everyone has. Can he stay healthy? "You can't prove that you're not going to get hurt," Davis said. "That's why I don't understand the injury-prone tag. You can't say someone's injury prone, because anyone on the field can get hurt. You can have a hot No. 1 pick, and he can get hurt, too. And then someone who's been hurt can never get hurt again. There's no way to prove it."

There's no way to fully shake the label, as the former first-team All-Southeastern Conference running back knows all too well - given an injury history that dates to high school. All Davis can do is prepare for auditions such as Friday, when he's expected to run routes and catch passes from Wilson, and hope for a chance. "I'm a realist; people have short memories," Davis said. "The media, coaches, it's `What have you done for me lately?' So, yeah, I definitely have something to prove. I have something to prove to myself that I can play at the next level." - AP Sports

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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).

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.

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.

--Rob Rang