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Kenneth Davis (American football)
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Kenneth Earl Davis (born April 16, 1962) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the TCU Horned Frogs and was selected in the second round of the 1986 NFL draft. He played in the NFL for the Green Bay Packers (1986–1988) and the Buffalo Bills (1989–1994).
Key Information
College career
[edit]Before his NFL career, Davis played for Texas Christian University from 1982–1985. As a junior, he rushed for 1,611 yards (#3 in the NCAA) and 16 touchdowns, earning him a first-team selection on the College Football All-America Team. He also had the 5th most votes of all candidates for the Heisman Trophy that year. His 1,611 rushing yards were a school record, and remained so until LaDainian Tomlinson rushed for 1,850 yards in 1999.
He missed all but the first game of his senior season when he was suspended (along with six teammates) after confessing he received cash payments from boosters, but he finished his college career with an impressive 2,904 yards and 24 touchdowns. He left TCU second in school history in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.
Professional career
[edit]Considered a potential first-round draft pick in the 1986 NFL draft by Mel Kiper and Gil Brandt,[2] Davis decided to join the NFL one year early after his suspension from TCU. However, he was denied as he had already played one game that year; under the "Red Grange Rule", players are not allowed to play college and NFL football in the same year. In an attempt to force the NFL to allow a special supplemental draft, Davis and agent Michael Trope prepared to sue the league for $13 million; Trope pointed to Florida State running back Roosevelt Snipes, who was kicked off the FSU roster before the 1985 season and was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the supplemental draft, as an exception to the rule.[3][4]
NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle rejected Davis again and the league filed a counter-suit to ensure the Grange Rule was legal.[5] Davis accepted the ruling and tried to drop the case, but attorney Steven Knowles filed the suit anyway, unaware of Davis' decision.[6] After the matter was cleared, Davis waited until 1986 to enter the league, and he was selected by the Packers in the second round of the 1986 NFL Draft.[7][8]
As a rookie, he was the team's leading rusher with 519 yards, returned 12 kickoffs for 231 yards, and caught 21 passes for 142 yards. In 1987, he was their leading rusher again, although he only rushed for 413 yards. Davis played only 9 games with the Packers in 1988 due to injuries, and signed with the Bills after the season ended.
With the Bills, Davis proved to be a superb complement to star running back Thurman Thomas, and a great asset to the team overall. In 1990, he rushed for 302 yards on just 64 carries (a 4.7 yards per carry average), caught 9 passes for 78 yards, and scored 5 touchdowns, assisting his team to Super Bowl XXV, where they lost to the New York Giants. In the game, Davis rushed for 4 yards and caught 2 passes for 23 yards. The following season, he rushed for 624 yards, caught 20 passes for 118 yards, returned 4 kickoffs for 73 yards, and assisted Buffalo to their second consecutive Super Bowl appearance. They lost Super Bowl XXVI to the Washington Redskins 37–24, but Davis had a good performance, leading the team with 17 rushing yards and catching 4 passes for 38 yards. He would get the start in that game, because star running back Thurman Thomas could not find his helmet.[9]
In 1992, Davis had the best season of his career. He rushed for 613 yards, caught 15 passes for 80 yards, returned 14 kickoffs for 251 yards, and scored a career-high 6 touchdowns. But he is best remembered for his superb performance in the post season. In Buffalo's wild card game against the Houston Oilers, Thomas was knocked out of the game early with a hip injury, and Houston built up a 28–3 first half lead. Then, they increased it to 35–3 early in the third quarter when backup quarterback Frank Reich's pass was intercepted and returned for a touchdown. But in what became known as The Comeback, Buffalo stormed back and won the game 41–38 in overtime; the rally from the 32-point deficit[10] was the largest comeback in NFL history. Davis was instrumental in the Bills victory, rushing for 68 yards, catching 2 passes for 25 yards, and scoring the first touchdown of the game for Buffalo. One week later, the Bills traveled on the road to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Divisional Playoffs, with Thomas back but playing hurt, Davis did a superb job carrying the offense, rushing for 104 yards and a touchdown on just 10 carries in the Bills 24–3 win. Then the Bills advanced to their 3rd consecutive Super Bowl by defeating the Miami Dolphins 29–10 in the AFC title game. Thomas had recovered enough to regain his spot on the starting lineup, but Davis was still a major factor in Buffalo's victory. He rushed for 61 yards and a touchdown while also catching 4 passes for 52 yards. The Bills lost Super Bowl XXVII to the Dallas Cowboys 52–17, but Davis had a great game. He was the Bills leading rusher with 86 yards, while also catching 3 passes for 16 yards and returning a kickoff for 21 yards.
Davis was major contributor for Buffalo for the 1993 season as the team advanced to their 4th consecutive Super Bowl. He rushed for 391 yards, caught 21 passes for 95 yards, and gained 100 yards on kickoff returns. After his team lost Super Bowl XXVIII to the Dallas Cowboys 30–13, he spent one more season with Buffalo and then retired in 1995.
Davis finished his 9 NFL seasons with 823 carries for 3,513 rushing yards (4.3 yards per carry), 135 receptions for 878 yards, 42 kickoff returns for 707 yards, and 32 touchdowns (27 rushing and 5 receiving). He now is the Athletic Director and former head football coach at Bishop Dunne Catholic School in Dallas, Texas.
NFL career statistics
[edit]| Legend | |
|---|---|
| Led the league | |
| Bold | Career high |
Regular season
[edit]| Year | Team | Games | Rushing | Receiving | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | ||
| 1986 | GNB | 16 | 6 | 114 | 519 | 4.6 | 50 | 0 | 21 | 142 | 6.8 | 18 | 1 |
| 1987 | GNB | 10 | 8 | 109 | 413 | 3.8 | 39 | 3 | 14 | 110 | 7.9 | 35 | 0 |
| 1988 | GNB | 9 | 7 | 39 | 121 | 3.1 | 27 | 1 | 11 | 81 | 7.4 | 11 | 0 |
| 1989 | BUF | 16 | 0 | 29 | 149 | 5.1 | 21 | 1 | 6 | 92 | 15.3 | 29 | 2 |
| 1990 | BUF | 16 | 0 | 64 | 302 | 4.7 | 47 | 4 | 9 | 78 | 8.7 | 16 | 1 |
| 1991 | BUF | 16 | 1 | 129 | 624 | 4.8 | 78 | 4 | 20 | 118 | 5.9 | 14 | 1 |
| 1992 | BUF | 16 | 0 | 139 | 613 | 4.4 | 64 | 6 | 15 | 80 | 5.3 | 22 | 0 |
| 1993 | BUF | 16 | 0 | 109 | 391 | 3.6 | 19 | 6 | 21 | 95 | 4.5 | 28 | 0 |
| 1994 | BUF | 16 | 1 | 91 | 381 | 4.2 | 60 | 2 | 18 | 82 | 4.6 | 12 | 0 |
| 131 | 23 | 823 | 3,513 | 4.3 | 78 | 27 | 135 | 878 | 6.5 | 35 | 5 | ||
Playoffs
[edit]| Year | Team | Games | Rushing | Receiving | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | ||
| 1989 | BUF | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1990 | BUF | 3 | 0 | 12 | 25 | 2.1 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 26 | 8.7 | 19 | 0 |
| 1991 | BUF | 3 | 1 | 29 | 99 | 3.4 | 13 | 1 | 6 | 51 | 8.5 | 12 | 0 |
| 1992 | BUF | 4 | 0 | 57 | 319 | 5.6 | 41 | 2 | 9 | 93 | 10.3 | 30 | 0 |
| 1993 | BUF | 3 | 0 | 30 | 106 | 3.5 | 15 | 1 | 4 | 11 | 2.8 | 16 | 0 |
| 14 | 1 | 128 | 549 | 4.3 | 41 | 7 | 22 | 181 | 8.2 | 30 | 0 | ||
References
[edit]- ^ "Versatility dots All-Centex team". Austin-American Statesman. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
- ^ Riggs, Randy (September 21, 1985). "Davis looks like a No. 1 in NFL draft". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved May 23, 2019 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "'Red Grange Rule' stops Davis' entry". Latrobe Bulletin. AP. October 12, 1985. Retrieved May 23, 2019 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Davis' agent wants special NFL draft". Lincoln Journal Star. October 9, 1985. Retrieved May 23, 2019 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "NFL Turns Down Kenneth Davis". Los Angeles Times. October 12, 1985. Retrieved May 23, 2019.
- ^ "TCU's Davis drops lawsuit against NFL". The Salina Journal. AP. October 18, 1985. Retrieved May 23, 2019 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Mayers, Jeff (April 30, 1986). "Packers opt for offensive backfield help in draft". Chippewa Herald-Telegram. Retrieved May 23, 2019 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "1986 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
- ^ The Four Falls Of Buffalo
- ^ "Bills and Eagles Turn Mountains Into Molehill; Buffalo Erases 32-Point Deficit". New York Times. January 4, 1993. Retrieved July 12, 2016.
Kenneth Davis (American football)
View on GrokipediaEarly years
Family background and youth
Kenneth Earl Davis was born on April 16, 1962, in Bartlett, Texas, a small town in Williamson County.[1][8] He grew up as one of 12 children in a large family, the fifth of six sons, in modest circumstances typical of rural Texas households during the era.[8][9] The family's home often served as an improvised boundary for informal games among the siblings, reflecting the resourcefulness shaped by their socioeconomic context.[8] Davis's siblings included brothers William, a semipro football player who scored the winning point in a 1964 state championship game; Jesse, who played college football at Southwest Texas State; and Herbert and Earnest, who later competed on Temple High School's 1976 state finalist team.[8] His sisters Flo excelled in basketball, while Eula became the first homecoming queen at the integrated Bartlett High School.[8] Though specific parental influences are not well-documented, the competitive environment fostered by his siblings played a key role in his early development, with Davis initially reluctant to join their pickup football games but eventually drawn in by familial pressure.[8] Raised in the close-knit community of Bartlett until ninth grade, Davis moved to Temple, Texas, where the town's supportive atmosphere began to influence his character before his high school years.[8][9] Limited records exist on non-athletic pursuits from his youth, but the emphasis on family and community resilience in rural Williamson County provided a foundational sense of determination.[8]High school career
Kenneth Davis attended Temple High School in Temple, Texas, where he developed into a standout athlete under coach Bob McQueen.[6] As a three-year starter, he played cornerback during his sophomore year before transitioning to running back for his final two seasons, showcasing his versatility and speed.[6] In 1979, Davis emerged as a key leader on Temple's undefeated 15-0 team, which captured the Class 4A state championship—the school's first—by defeating Houston Memorial 28-6.[6] He rushed for 1,593 yards and 19 touchdowns that season, including two scores on runs of 39 and 17 yards in the title game.[6][10] Over his high school career, Davis amassed 2,898 rushing yards, establishing a school record, along with 34 touchdowns, ranking second all-time at Temple.[6] Davis earned second-team all-state honors and was selected as a standout on the 1980 Texas Football Super Team.[11][6] He also earned a spot on the Waco Tribune-Herald’s all-time Super Centex Football Team and was later named one of the two best players ever coached by McQueen.[6] His high school performance drew interest from major college programs, including Oklahoma and Nebraska, amid a competitive recruiting battle, before he signed a letter of intent with Texas Christian University (TCU).[12]College career
Time at TCU
Kenneth Davis enrolled at Texas Christian University in 1982, where he played running back for the TCU Horned Frogs football team over the next four seasons, from 1982 to 1985. His foundation from a standout high school career at Temple High School in Texas enabled Davis to adapt swiftly to the physical and strategic demands of college football, securing early playing time as a true freshman.[1] In 1982, he appeared in 11 games, rushing for 549 yards on 113 carries and scoring 5 touchdowns, marking a solid introduction to Division I competition.[3] Davis's freshman performance highlighted his vision and burst, contributing to the Horned Frogs' ground game while he adjusted to the speed and complexity of Southwest Conference play.[3] As a sophomore in 1983, Davis built on his initial success, again playing in 11 games and increasing his output to 682 rushing yards on 145 carries with 3 touchdowns.[3] This progression reflected his growing comfort in the role, as he handled a larger share of the carries and developed better blocking awareness and route-running skills in TCU's offensive scheme.[3] By his junior year, Davis had established himself as the starting running back, taking on a primary workload that showcased his versatility as both a rusher and receiver. Davis's senior season in 1985 was limited to just one game, where he rushed for 152 yards, but his overall college tenure solidified his reputation as a workhorse back.[3] Across his four years at TCU, he compiled 2,994 rushing yards on 493 attempts—ranking fifth in school history—and 23 rushing touchdowns, eighth all-time for the program, while also adding 491 receiving yards. These totals underscored his consistent development from a promising newcomer to a cornerstone of the Horned Frogs' offense.1984 season and accolades
In 1984, Kenneth Davis had a breakout junior season at TCU, rushing for 1,611 yards on 211 carries, averaging 7.6 yards per attempt, which set a school record and ranked third in the NCAA.[13] He also scored 15 rushing touchdowns, contributing to a total of 17 touchdowns that season, including two receiving.[3] This performance marked a significant improvement from his earlier college years, where he had steadily increased his production.[14] Davis's efforts were instrumental in TCU's 8-4 overall record and 5-3 Southwest Conference mark, tying for third place and earning the team a berth in the Bluebonnet Bowl, their first bowl appearance since 1957.[15] His explosive runs, including several plays of 50 yards or more, powered key victories and helped transform the Horned Frogs into a competitive squad under coach Jim Wacker.[16] For his standout play, Davis earned consensus first-team All-America honors and finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting, receiving 86 points behind winner Doug Flutie.[17] Media outlets praised his combination of power and speed, noting his 5-foot-10, 210-pound frame allowed him to burst through defenses with agility and vision as a versatile runner.[16]Booster scandal
In 1985, during what was intended to be his senior season at Texas Christian University (TCU), running back Kenneth Davis became embroiled in a major booster scandal that prematurely ended his college career. Following TCU's season-opening win over Tulane on September 14, Davis and six other players voluntarily confessed to Coach Jim Wacker about receiving impermissible benefits from university boosters, prompting Wacker to immediately suspend them and report the violations to the NCAA just before the team's second game against Kansas State.[18][19][20] The allegations centered on a slush fund established in the early 1980s under former coach F.A. Dry and continued by boosters such as trustee Dick Lowe and Mama's Pizza owner Chris Farkas, who provided cash, cars, free meals, and sham employment opportunities to players. Specifically, Davis admitted to accepting monthly cash payments of $500 to $1,000, along with a car and other perks disguised as tips from jobs like busboy work or high-paying summer oil rig positions at $23 per hour, all in violation of NCAA rules prohibiting extra benefits to athletes.[21][19][20][22] The NCAA launched an immediate investigation at TCU's request, with the university fully cooperating by disclosing details of the booster payment scheme, which had been ongoing for several years. Outcomes included Davis being ruled ineligible for the entire 1985 season, effectively ending his collegiate playing career after he had been a Heisman Trophy finalist the previous year. TCU as a program received a one-year bowl ban, limited to 10 scholarships in 1987 and 15 in 1988 (resulting in a total reduction of 35 scholarships over those two years: 20 fewer in 1987 and 15 fewer in 1988 from the normal limit of 30 per year), forfeiture of 1983 and 1984 television revenues, and a three-year probation; additionally, six boosters, including Lowe and Farkas, were banned from university athletics.[18][20][19][23] Davis responded to the suspension with initial bitterness, stating, "I took the money because I needed it," while expressing suspicion that further unrevealed violations existed within the program. He later reflected on the emotional toll, shedding tears upon learning of his suspension, but came to respect Wacker's decision as necessary despite its personal impact. The scandal contributed to broader scrutiny of the Southwest Conference and marked a significant setback for TCU's football program, which finished 3-8 that year without its star players.[22][18][20]Professional career
1986 NFL Draft and Packers years
Davis was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the second round, 41st overall, of the 1986 NFL Draft, despite a college suspension the prior year that had not significantly impacted his draft stock.[3][1] As a rookie, he quickly established himself as a rotational running back behind incumbent Gerry Ellis, appearing in all 16 games with six starts and leading the team in rushing with 519 yards on 114 carries, averaging 4.6 yards per attempt, though he scored no rushing touchdowns.[24] His receiving contributions included 21 catches for 142 yards and one touchdown, highlighted by a strong performance in Week 16 against the New York Giants, where he rushed for 92 yards and caught six passes for 45 yards and a score.[24] The Packers finished 4-12 that season under coach Forrest Gregg, with Davis providing a burst of speed to the backfield amid a middling offense. In 1987, Davis again led Green Bay in rushing with 413 yards on 109 carries and three touchdowns over 10 games, starting eight, while adding 14 receptions for 110 yards, though an ankle injury sidelined him late in the season.[25][26] His role expanded as the primary back amid team struggles, including a 5-9-1 record marked by quarterback instability and defensive lapses. A notable effort came in Week 7 against the Detroit Lions, where he had a career-long 35-yard reception in a 20-19 victory.[27] The 1988 season proved challenging for Davis, limited to nine games (seven starts) by recurring ankle injuries that caused him to miss time after Week 7, finishing with 121 rushing yards on 39 carries, one touchdown, and 11 receptions for 81 yards.[28][29] Despite the setbacks, he contributed to a 4-12 Packers team, serving as a versatile option in a backfield rotation. Over his three seasons in Green Bay, Davis amassed 1,053 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns, demonstrating reliability as a young professional while adapting to the NFL's physical demands.[1]Buffalo Bills tenure
Kenneth Davis signed with the Buffalo Bills as a free agent in March 1989, agreeing to a three-year contract reportedly worth $1 million, including a $125,000 signing bonus, after spending three seasons with the Green Bay Packers.[29] His prior experience as a versatile running back in Green Bay facilitated a smooth transition to Buffalo's high-tempo system. Over six seasons with the Bills from 1989 to 1994, Davis served primarily as a backup to star running back Thurman Thomas, contributing as a reliable change-of-pace option in the team's innovative no-huddle offense orchestrated by head coach Marv Levy.[1][30] In Buffalo's no-huddle scheme, which emphasized quick snaps and deceptive play-calling to wear down defenses, Davis complemented Thomas by providing short-yardage bursts and pass-catching ability from the backfield. He formed part of a dynamic backfield duo that helped the Bills maintain offensive efficiency throughout grueling regular seasons. During this period, Davis amassed 561 rushing attempts for 2,460 yards and 23 rushing touchdowns, along with 89 receptions for 545 receiving yards and 4 receiving touchdowns.[1][31][30] His production peaked in 1991 with a career-high 624 rushing yards on 129 carries and 4 touchdowns, followed by 6 rushing scores each in 1992 and 1993, showcasing his scoring reliability in Levy's fast-paced attack.[1][31] One standout regular-season performance came on November 22, 1992, when Davis rushed for a personal-best 181 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries in a 41-14 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, highlighting his ability to exploit defensive fatigue in the no-huddle rhythm. Overall, his tenure underscored a steady, multifaceted role that bolstered Buffalo's ground game without overshadowing the primary ball-carriers.[27]Super Bowl contributions
Kenneth Davis contributed to the Buffalo Bills' unprecedented run of four consecutive Super Bowl appearances from Super Bowl XXV through XXVIII, spanning the 1990 to 1993 seasons, serving primarily as a backup running back to Thurman Thomas and providing crucial depth to the team's no-huddle offense during their AFC dominance.[1] Despite the Bills' losses in each contest, Davis appeared in all four games, accumulating 30 rushing attempts for 145 yards and 12 receptions for 72 yards, with no touchdowns in the Super Bowls themselves; however, he scored seven touchdowns across the broader playoff runs, highlighting his versatility in postseason play.[32] In Super Bowl XXV against the New York Giants in 1991, a 20–19 defeat, Davis had a limited role offensively with two carries for four yards and two receptions for 23 yards, supporting the Bills' ground game in a tightly contested matchup that ended with Scott Norwood's missed field goal.[32] The following year in Super Bowl XXVI, a 37–24 loss to the Washington Redskins, he led Buffalo's rushers with four attempts for 17 yards and added four catches for 38 yards, helping sustain drives amid the team's struggling running attack.[32] Davis's most productive Super Bowl came in XXVII against the Dallas Cowboys in 1993, where he carried 15 times for 86 yards in a lopsided 52–17 defeat, including a notable goal-line carry stopped by Cowboys linebacker Ken Norton Jr., which shifted momentum early in the game.[32][33] In Super Bowl XXVIII, another 30–13 loss to Dallas the next season, he managed nine rushes for 38 yards and three receptions for a net loss of five yards, again stepping up as the Bills' leading rusher in a game marked by turnovers.[32] Though the Bills fell short in their quest for a championship, Davis's consistent contributions in the backfield exemplified the team's resilience and repeated AFC supremacy, as they captured the conference title each year from 1990 to 1993, relying on a balanced rushing attack to fuel high-scoring playoff victories en route to the Super Bowl. His efforts underscored Buffalo's offensive versatility, even in defeat, with key runs that kept defenses honest and supported quarterback Jim Kelly's passing game.[1]Career statistics
Regular season
Kenneth Davis played in 131 regular-season games over nine NFL seasons from 1986 to 1994, split between the Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills. He totaled 3,513 rushing yards on 823 carries for a 4.3-yard average and 27 rushing touchdowns, while adding 135 receptions for 878 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns, for 32 total touchdowns.[1]| Season | Team | G | GS | Att | Rush Yds | Rush Avg | Rush TD | Rec | Rec Yds | Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | GB | 16 | 6 | 114 | 519 | 4.6 | 0 | 21 | 142 | 1 |
| 1987 | GB | 10 | 8 | 109 | 413 | 3.8 | 3 | 14 | 110 | 0 |
| 1988 | GB | 9 | 7 | 39 | 121 | 3.1 | 1 | 11 | 81 | 0 |
| 1989 | BUF | 16 | 0 | 29 | 149 | 5.1 | 1 | 6 | 92 | 2 |
| 1990 | BUF | 16 | 0 | 64 | 302 | 4.7 | 4 | 9 | 78 | 1 |
| 1991 | BUF | 16 | 1 | 129 | 624 | 4.8 | 4 | 20 | 118 | 1 |
| 1992 | BUF | 16 | 0 | 139 | 613 | 4.4 | 6 | 15 | 80 | 0 |
| 1993 | BUF | 16 | 0 | 109 | 391 | 3.6 | 6 | 21 | 95 | 0 |
| 1994 | BUF | 16 | 1 | 91 | 381 | 4.2 | 2 | 18 | 82 | 0 |
| Career | Both | 131 | 23 | 823 | 3,513 | 4.3 | 27 | 135 | 878 | 5 |
Postseason
During his five-year tenure with the Buffalo Bills, Kenneth Davis participated in 13 NFL postseason games, compiling 549 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns on 128 carries.[1] His playoff rushing average of 4.3 yards per carry mirrored his regular-season efficiency of the same mark, highlighting consistent productivity in high-stakes contests.[1] The following table summarizes Davis's rushing statistics by postseason year:| Season | Games Played | Attempts | Yards | Average | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 3 | 12 | 25 | 2.1 | 3 |
| 1991 | 3 | 29 | 99 | 3.4 | 1 |
| 1992 | 4 | 57 | 319 | 5.6 | 2 |
| 1993 | 3 | 30 | 106 | 3.5 | 1 |
| Career | 13 | 128 | 549 | 4.3 | 7 |
