Arkansas tailback gets his way

Arkansas running back Knile Davis, a preseason All-SEC pick, had six 100-yard rushing performances in the final seven games of 2010, and averaged 6.6 yards per carry as a sophomore.

Arkansas running back Knile Davis, a preseason All-SEC pick, had six 100-yard rushing performances in the final seven games of 2010, and averaged 6.6 yards per carry as a sophomore.

Friday, August 24, 2012

— Arkansas Coach John L. Smith said he expects tailback Knile Davis to be tackled in tonight’s mock game.

Davis has not been brought to the ground since sustaining a broken left ankle last August, but he apparently talked his way into full contact after sitting out the team’s first three scrimmages.

“I guess it’s a deal like if he takes the first handoff and breaks three tackles and scores, then that’s enough, which you’d like to see,” Smith said.

Smith said during the summer that Davis would probably have to take a few hits in camp, but that thinking changed in camp as the Razorbacks looked to protect Davis, who rushed for 1,322 yards in 2010.

“After we get talking and watching and practicing and thinking every night, I finally came up with the deal that I’m not going to play him,” Smith said. “Then he vetoed me.”

Smith said he expected the first offense would get 40 live snaps tonight, meaning Davis will probably log only a handful of carries.

“That’s going to be something that we’ll kind of play by ear and let Knile kind of determine a little of that,” Smith said. “Sorry you don’t get to be here to watch.”

Tonight’s mock game, which Smith said will feature about 80 scrimmage plays, is closed to the media and the public.

Arkansas opens the season Sept. 1 against Jacksonville (Ala.) State at Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.

Sports, Pages 21 on 08/24/2012