Huge blow confirmed: Knile Davis expected to miss 2011 season

By John TaylorAug 12, 2011, 10:29 AM EDT

Unfortunately for the Arkansas football program and its fans, their worst fears have been realized.

In a press release, the university announced that running back Knile Davis is expected to miss the entire 2011 season due to a left ankle injury suffered during a scrimmage Thursday. The specific nature of the injury was not revealed, and there was no mention in the release of whether surgery would be required.

“I am extremely disappointed for Knile,” UA head coach Bobby Petrino said in a statement. “He is a captain who was incredibly focused on the upcoming year. His leadership throughout the offseason was significant in the development of this team. Our athletic trainers and medical staff are the best in the country, and Knile’s mental toughness will be an asset to him during the recovery process. I am fully confident in the mindset of our running back group and their ability to perform.”

Davis suffered the injury on the seventh play of yesterday’s scrimmage when his leg was rolled up on in a pile at the end of a running play.

Last season, Davis led all SEC running backs in with 1,322 rushing yards, and would’ve entered the 2011 season on the fringe of the Heisman discussion for a team with thoughts of contending for the top spot in the SEC West. With Arkansas replacing Ryan Mallett under center with Tyler Wilson —probably — Davis’ experience and talent were going to be that much more important for the Razorbacks and their chances of taking a step to the next level this season.

That running game burden will now fall on juniors Dennis Johnson and Ronnie Wingo, and makes Wilson’s progression as a starter sooner rather than later all the more important.

Davis is the second top-flight RB the Hogs have lost since the end of last season; in April, Broderick Green suffered a season-ending ACL injury. Davis and Green were the Razorbacks’ two leading rushers in 2010.

South Carolina gives AD Tanner raise, two-year extension

Associated PressMar 18, 2023, 4:44 PM EDT

Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina athletic director Ray Tanner received a two-year contract extension that ties him to the school through June 2026.

Tanner, 64, is a two-time College World Series champion as the Gamecocks’ baseball coach who moved to leading the athletic department in July 2012.

The new deal was approved by the school’s board of trustees Friday and replaces Tanner’s old agreement that was set to expire in June 2024. Tanner will receive a raise of more than $153,000 per season, increasing his total compensation to $1.175 million.

Tanner has had his ups and downs leading the department. He took over when football coach Steve Spurrier was in the middle of three straight 11-2 seasons with players like defensive lineman Jadeveon Clowney and receiver Alshon Jeffrey.

Tanner’s hire to replace Spurrier, Will Muschamp, lasted less than five seasons before he was let go in the middle of 2020. Muschamp’s replacement, current coach Shane Beamer, has had back-to-back winning seasons and been to a bowl game his first two yeas.

Tanner has also overseen the rise of women’s basketball under coach Dawn Staley, who signed a seven-year contract before the 2021-22 season worth $22.4 million. Staley and the Gamecocks won the national title last April and are favorites to repeat this season.

Michigan RB Blake Corum says he’ll be back by fall camp

Associated PressMar 16, 2023, 1:14 PM EDT

Junfu Han/USA TODAY NETWORK

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan All-America running back Blake Corum said his surgically repaired left knee has gotten strong enough that he’s been cleared to run on an anti-gravity treadmill next week.

Corum said that he is “100%” sure he will play in the season-opening game on Sept. 2 against East Carolina

Corum tore a meniscus and sprained a ligament in his left knee against Illinois on Nov. 19. After playing sparingly against Ohio State, he sat out when the Wolverines won the Big Ten title and advanced to the College Football Playoff semifinals.

Instead of entering the NFL draft, Corum decided to stay in school for his senior year.

“Feeling great all-around mentally, physically spiritually,” Corum told The Associated Press.

The 5-foot-8, 210-pound Corum ran for 1,463 yards and 18 touchdowns last season and had 952 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2021.

“I’ll be back definitely by fall camp,” he said. “I plan on doing everything in the summer workouts, depending on on what doctor says. He told me I shouldn’t be cutting until maybe June. I’m taking my time, but I will be ready by the season.”

Corum will be watching when his teammates face each each other in the Maize and Blue spring game on April 1 at Michigan Stadium.