Arkansas' Knile Davis to miss 2011 season

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., Aug. 12 (UPI) -- Arkansas running back Knile Davis, the leading rusher in the SEC last year, will miss the 2011 season because of a left ankle injury.

Davis, a junior, was injured Thursday during a team scrimmage. Arkansas Coach Bobby Petrino said Friday Davis would miss the entire 2011 schedule. Petrino, however, didn't give details of the injury.

"I am extremely disappointed for Knile," Petrino said. "He is a captain who was incredibly focused on the upcoming year. His leadership throughout the off-season 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 rushed for a Southeastern Conference-best 1,322 yards and 13 touchdowns last season when the Razorbacks were 10-3. His return in 2011 is a reason Arkansas was ranked 14th in the USA Today Coaches pre-season football poll.