All signs point to junior tailback Mike Davis forgoing his senior season at South Carolina and entering the NFL Draft. Two of his backfield teammates said they plan on returning for the 2015 football season.

Junior tailback Shon Carson

Juniors Brandon Wilds and Shon Carson will take the notion of Davis leaving as an opportunity to make a bigger impact on next year’s team. The two, along with redshirt freshman David Williams will fight for the No. 1 spot from now until next year’s season opener.

“I’m still coming back,” Wilds said. “Me, Shon and David, we’re all going hard. We are always competing with each other and it’s a good atmosphere with the running backs. There are no gimmes, so I’m still going out there and giving it my all. I know it will be a lot of more carries. I’m ready for the carries.”

Carson, a usual two-sport athlete, took off from baseball this past season to focus on football. He said baseball is still on his mind and a possible MLB Draft selection could pry him away from school and the football field.

"I plan on coming back, finishing up and getting my degree. (Baseball) is still up in the air. It's still in the playing field,” Carson said.

In 2014, Wilds has rushed for 567 yards and four touchdowns in 11 games played. He is averaging 51.5 yards per game and 5.6 yards per rush.

Carson is fifth on the team in rushing yards, with 141. His primary role this season has been on special teams, solidifying the role as kick returner.

Williams is third on the team in rushing behind Davis and Wilds with 256 rushing yards in nine games played.

Brandon Shell injury- Junior right tackle Brandon Shell sat out of practice on Wednesday wearing a sling on his right arm. It was diagnosed a shoulder injury by head coach Steve Spurrier.

Junior right tackle Brandon Shell

“He sort of got his shoulder pulled a little bit yesterday. Our trainer said he’ll practice maybe tomorrow or the next day,” Spurrier said.

Shell has started all 12 games this season and his 35 career starts under his belt at South Carolina.

D.J. Park out for bowl- With the academic semester over, offensive lineman D.J. Park was the only reported player to be academically ineligible to play in the Gamecocks’ bowl game next week.

“D.J. Park didn’t pass enough hours. He will not make the trip. He was out here practicing today. He can make it up [class hours] in the summer,” Spurrier said.

Park, a redshirt freshman, played in eight games this season. He saw action in each of the last seven games.

A.J. Cann appreciates honors- Senior left guard A.J. Cann has received multiple All-American honors over the past week and couldn’t be more humble by the accolades.

“It’s an honor and a blessing to be a part of the All-SEC teams and the All-American teams, but we still have work to do here. Hopefully we go into the bowl game and get this last victory. It will be good for us,” Cann said.

Cann will be making his 51st career start as a Gamecock on Dec. 27 in the Duck Commander Independence Bowl.

“He’s been a very good player for us, a four-year starter,” Spurrier said. “He’s a wonderful young man and does everything the coaches ask and everything the strength coaches ask also. Never any problems with A.J. Cann so hopefully he can end his career on a positive.”

Bowl practice schedule

Thursday, December 18 - Practice at 3:30 p.m.

Friday, December 19 - Practice at 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 20 - Practice at 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 21 - OFF

Monday, December 22 - Practice at 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, December 23 - Practice at 9 a.m., depart for Shreveport, La. at 11:45 a.m.