After last season’s 1-10 record, the Cyclone football team is banking on improvement in many key areas. For the Cyclones to get back on track, the health of starting running back Darren Davis is essential.

Davis, a junior from Miami, Florida, fought through an injury-plagued season to gain 1,005 yards and score five touchdowns. Now that he’s completely recovered from a stress fracture, Davis’ hopes are high for the upcoming season.

“Who knows what could happen if I’m healthy?” Davis said.

Statistically, Davis had an impressive season last year. He ranked 15th nationally in rushing with an average of 111.7 yards per game.

Davis also ranked 5th in the Big 12 Conference in all-purpose yards, averaging 126.1 yards a game.

His 1,005 yards and five touchdowns came on 212 carries with an average of 4.7 yards per carry.

Despite all of Davis’ solid numbers, Davis and the Cyclones will still look to establish a powerful running game in order to win.

“We have to establish the running game,” Davis said. “You have to run first, then pass second in order to win games.”

“Our running game must be improved,” head coach Dan McCarney said. “We have to shorten the game by running the football and moving the sticks.”

At the same time, the Cyclones feature a relatively inexperienced offensive line that will be counted on to power the running game. Even though three of last year’s starters have graduated, Davis is not concerned.

“I’m not worried about them at all,” Davis said. “I just need to worry about myself and keep on working hard.”

The efforts to improve the running game and entire offense falls largely on the shoulders of new offensive coordinator Pete Hoener.

“We’ve (Hoener and I) have talked about running a lot because that’s how we win,” Davis said. “The overall offensive schemes will be a little different, but it still comes down to running the ball.”

Davis’ words show an intense motivation to win. This is also evident in his work habits and dedication in practice, according to fullback Robert Lewis.

“Darren and I came here together. He’s the type of guy who makes you better everyday. We just keep pushing each other to play better,” Lewis said.

Then there are the inevitable comparisons to Davis’ older brother and former Cyclone football star, Troy, who’s beginning his second season in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints.

And even though Troy and Darren are separated by distance, they still manage to keep in touch and maintain a close relationship.

“I talk to him almost everyday and he’s doing all right,” Davis said. “Troy keeps telling me not to get down on myself and to keep on going.”

With a healthy Davis, the Cyclones’ chances for victory are definitely improved. What about the chances of Davis leaving school early like his older brother?

“I’ve got two more years here and that’s the plan I’m sticking with,” Davis said.

Expectations are high for this season’s Cyclone squad and with a reinvigorated offense, the sky’s the limit, Davis believes.

“I just want the team to stay healthy, win some games, and keep doing everything at 110 percent,” Davis said.