Davis close to 100 percent

When Cincinnati Colerain running back Chris Davis tore three ligaments in early September it ended one of the most promising junior seasons in the state of Ohio. But although the injury was devastating, Davis was determined it not be the end of his career, and the path back to the Cardinal's backfield is nearly complete.

"Rehab is going good and I'm back running again," Davis reported. "I haven't started cutting again - I start cutting next month - but I am back running almost full speed and I am at almost 90 percent.

Davis has skipped track this spring in order to make sure he has given himself the best chance at a full recovery. His sights are set on not just returning to form, but exceeding where he was when he left off.

"I'll be back even better the way I am feeling," Davis said.

Early projections had Davis slated as one of the top 5-10 prospects in the state of Ohio for the class of 2013. Most schools are waiting to see how Davis returns from his injury, but Cincinnati and Minnesota have gone ahead with scholarship offers.

Minnesota maintains close contact with Davis through Facebook and is looking to get him up for a visit in the near future. Davis expects a trip to Minnesota will likely happen in the summer. The contact with Cincinnati has been less frequent in recent weeks.

"I haven't heard from them ever since Coach [Kerry] Combs left [for Ohio State]," Davis said. "He was the main one trying to recruit me from UC."

Most teams want to see Davis in the summer at their camp, see how he is moving after the injury. Among the schools inquiring regularly are West Virginia, Mississippi State, Ball State, Illinois, Virginia Tech and Tennessee. He plans to visit two of those schools next month.

"I am going to take a little visit to Ball State and Mississippi State over spring break," Davis said. "I'm really from Mississippi and I would like to go there. I'll see if it is a good opportunity for me and if I fit their system."

The 5-10, 180-pound Davis still has family in Mississippi and schools from that region of the country will get strong looks during his recruitment, but for now the recruiting process is on the back burner. Davis first goal is to make it all the way back from a devastating knee injury and finish his high school career on top.