The future was looking bright for junior running back John Smith.

“I was expecting to rush for at least 1,500 yards,” Smith said, recalling the list of goals he made before the season. His chances of reaching them were high based on his 2011statistics.

Smith rushed for more than 1,300-yards and became the first sophomore to break the 1,000-yard mark in just seven games. Smith said he was planning to set new rushing records this fall but his plans had to be put on hold.

Smith injured his right knee on the second day of full-pad practice the first week in August. Smith’s job was to sprint towards the sideline and cut up with the ball. The play seemed destined for a touchdown had it not been for four Panther linebackers who hit his right side and drove him to the ground.

He said he remembers screaming in pain and gripping his right leg. Smith was rushed to Fayette Piedmont Hospital where he was evaluated. His teammates and coaches drove over after practice was canceled.

“A whole bunch of them went to see him in the hospital,” head coach Chad Phillips said. “It was a great team response.”

Doctors initially told him that he had broken his leg and torn his knee, but he would have to undergo more tests. He was then sent to the orthopedic wing at Scottish Rite Hospital in Atlanta where tests would determine that he had broken his right femur and re-injured the growth plate he had hurt in 8th grade. Doctors performed surgery the following day, Smith said.

“I was scared it was going to be my knee because the doctors told me a knee injury was going to happen sooner or later,” Smith said. In 8th grade, Smith tore his ACL in his right knee and strained his growth plates. Smith said remembers the doctors telling him that future tears were likely.

The news only fueled Smith’s passion for the game, and he quickly rehabbed and was back on the field within three months.

Phillips said that Smith’s re-injury has made the team stronger and hasn’t affected the offense at all. He is looking for players such as junior running backs Gerren Smith, Mitchell Ray and freshman Dion Munerlyn to step up in practice to fill the gap. They will all be taking snaps at tailback for the Panthers, Phillips said.

As for Smith, he is hoping for a quick recovery and planning to be cleared to play by the big rivalry game at 7:30 p.m. against Whitewater at home on Friday, Oct. 2.

“I’ll be doing physical therapy every day to get back out on that field,” Smith said. He plans to shorten his six- to eight-week recovery period to seven, if possible.