He had a 4.37 40-time during Arkansas’ offseason testing.
Looks like a potential star in the SEC come 2011."
This season, Davis may find more focus on the running game and tighter running lanes. Davis is a quick back with a good short area burst. He likes to find the hole and quickly shoot through it rather than dance and extend the play. His one cut tendency helps him avoid loss yardage.
However, his lack of lateral quickness means he struggles to make the first man miss. Davis doesn't break a lot of tackles and is routinely taken down by the first man. His biggest strength his his two step ability which helps hit the gap quickly.
Overall, Davis is a nice running back prospect but needs to do a better job breaking tackles. This year will be a good measuring stick for his potential as he will likely get more attention from defenses.
Bold Statement: Knile Davis will not be selected before the 2nd round
Games Viewed: South Carolina ('10), Auburn ('10), Ohio State ('10), Alabama ('10)
Notes:
- Davis keeps his pad level low exposing as little of his body as possible
- He presses the hole quickly and is able to shoot through the open gaps
- His biggest strength is his deceptive speed and quickness
- He is a 1 cut runner and looks to get down hill as fast as possible
- Davis is a hard runner that uses two hands to protect the football
- Breaking tackles is a weak part of Davis' game as he is routinely brought down by the first tackler
- He has good straight line quickness but less than impressive lateral quicks
- His struggle to create in space limit his potential in the passing game
If healthy is a 230-pounder with reported sub-4.4 speed has a phenomenal size/speed ratio; also has good vision, can find the crease and a real burst in the hole; can also get to the edge and run away from people in space;
More than a speed back, though, as he runs hard and can break tackles; will lower pads at contact and has excellent leg drive; also a pretty good short yardage and goal-line runner;
Has soft hands, but has not been asked to be a major factor as an outlet receiver; also doesn’t have a lot of experience pass blocking;
Ball security is also an issue as he will put it on the ground on occasion battling for the extra yard; still a young player who doesn’t turn 20 until later this season; ankle could be a long-term issue though as he originally broke it as a senior in high school and then missed much of his true freshman year after undergoing further surgery."