BUFFALO, NY - University at Buffalo senior free safety Mark Graham (Monroe, MI/Monroe) has returned to Buffalo after a hip flexor injury sidelined him from playing in The Villages Gridiron Classic on Saturday, Jan. 31.

Mark Graham

Graham, who had spent the week before the game attending the Cris Carter Speed Camp in Boca Raton, suffered a relapse of the injury that ended his senior season with two games left.

"I was doing well at the Carter Camp for the first few days but towards the end of the camp I think I tweaked it," said Graham. "I was able to get through the first day of practice (for the Gridiron Classic) but after that I had to shut it down because I could only go about three-quarters speed.

" It's certainly disappointing, but I'm just concentrating on resting it, rehabilitating and being ready to workout for pro scouts this spring," said Graham. " I was able to make some good contacts during the time I was there, but I'm most disappointed in not being able to represent Buffalo in the game."

Graham was a second-team Mid-American Conference selection despite missing the final two games of his career due to a hip injury suffered at Toledo in week 10. Despite missing those games, Graham still led the Bulls in tackles (84), solo stops (57), quarterback sacks (3) and fumble recoveries (3). In addition, the tri-captain added 6¹/₂ tackles for loss, second on the team, three pass breakups, one interception and three quarterback hurries. His 57 solo tackles this season were eighth most in a season by a Bulls defender.