SEC's leading rusher had knee drained

Few expected Tennessee tailback Montario Hardesty to lead the SEC in rushing a month into the season. Teammate David Oku is downright astounded.
“I don’t know if we can curse or not,” the freshman tailback told reporters Wednesday. “But I’m sure surprised. For a man to go through three knee surgeries, that is a helluva guy to be doing something like this still. Most people would give up. I ask him everyday ‘How the hell do you do it?’ ”
Hardesty continues to do it while battling persistent health issues. A sore shoulder slowed him last week, yet he still rushed for 140 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries against Ohio.
He had his knee drained early this week and was limited in practice but expects to play Saturday against Auburn.
Hardesty is tops in the SEC with 121.25 rushing yards per game. That’s good for 9th best in the country for the senior who was known more for injuries than carries before this season.
“I don’t think I should get all the credit for that,” Hardesty of his production this season. “I can’t do anything I’ve been doing without my o-line blocking, the receivers blocking downfield and the coach having confidence to give me the ball.
“I’m just out there trying to do my part of the job to help my team win.”
Hardesty’s ascension means less carries for his backfield mates. He has 84 carries this season. Highly touted freshmen Bryce Brown and Oku have 43 and 8, respectively. Despite a strong off-season, sophomore Tauren Poole has five carries.
The Vols’ offensive intentions are clear: ride Hardesty, who is averaging 5.8 yards per carry. The SEC Rocks!