Arkansas running back Knile Davis told reporters earlier this week he felt good enough to resume contact after missing all of 2011 with a severe ankle injury.
“I hope so. I’m ready,” Davis said. “I’m ready to play.”
It appears Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino and the UA training staff felt otherwise. During the team’s first scrimmage on Friday, Davis practiced at full speed but did not participate in contact drills. Petrino said Davis’ status would be taken on a week-to-week basis.
“He’s been doing everything full speed,” Petrino said. “He’s been cutting, making everything, looks good. There’s just something in consulting with our medical staff, and we made the decision that let’s not tackle him today.”
Davis’ competitive nature is admirable, but his health comes first at this point. The veteran back has nothing to prove heading into 2012 -- other than that he can stay durable -- and there’s absolutely no need to rush him back into contact just yet.