Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy has returned to Columbia to begin rehabilitation following a shooting incident in his native Mississippi. The All-America player expressed gratitude for supporters in a video released by the football program, saying he's "back to the road to success" after being shot in the upper leg on May 10.

Hardy underwent surgery in Mississippi before returning to Missouri, where coach Eli Drinkwitz noted recovery will require "several weeks" before any timeline can be established. The 20-year-old standout, who rushed for 1,649 yards last season, remains hospitalized as authorities continue investigating the incident that also injured another person.

A suspect, Rashodrick Harris, has been arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated assault in connection with the shooting at a Mississippi bike club. Hardy's absence leaves a significant void in Missouri's backfield for the upcoming season, where he was expected to be a focal point of the offense after transferring from Louisiana-Monroe and earning Doak Walker finalist honors.