Smith out for season due to injury

University of Arkansas redshirt senior running back Michael Smith will not play the remainder of the season due to a hamstring injury Razorback football head coach Bobby Petrino announced today.

"We are appreciative of the many contributions that Michael Smith has made as a player and a leader on our football team. His maturity, work ethic and willingness to mentor younger teammates has made a tremendous impact on our program. Though a hamstring injury will prevent him from playing again for the Razorbacks, Michael Smith remains a valued member of this football team."

Smith has played in 39 games and made 14 starts in his career. He has carried the ball 359 times for 2,018 yards and 16 touchdowns. In his last outing against Troy, he became the 14th player in Arkansas history to rush for 2,000-or-more yards in his career. He has also had 53 career receptions for 529 yards and three touchdowns.

Smith entered the 2009 season considered by many as the top running back in the Southeastern Conference as he was a first-team All-SEC selection by the coaches and the media. Smith currently leads the Razorbacks in rushing with 396 yards on 71 carries and has two touchdowns. He has also had 16 receptions for 163 yards and a touchdown this year.

In 2008, Smith was UA’s leading rusher with 207 carries for 1,072 yards and eight touchdowns. He was also the second-leading receiver on the team with 32 catches for 298 yards and two touchdowns.

As a sophomore in 2007, Smith saw action in 10 games and had 46 carries for 303 yards and three touchdowns and as a redshirt freshman he played in 11 games and had 35 carries for 247 yards and three touchdowns.