For all intents and purposes, the Duck Commandeer Independence Bowl could be renamed the RB Early Entry Bowl.
Christmas Day, South Carolina’s Mike Davis confirmed that this will be his last season with the Gamecocks. A short time before Miami and USC kicked off its bowl appearance in Shreveport, a Hurricane back’s relative confirmed he wouldn’t be back either.
In a move widely expected, the mother of UM’s Duke Johnson revealed to the Palm Beach Post that her son is playing the last game of his collegiate career. Johnson had been expected to announce his decision at a press conference Sunday, which is also his mother’s birthday.
Earlier this season, Johnson became the ‘Canes’ all-times leader in rushing and all-purpose yards. Should he rush for at least 234 yards in his final game, he’d break the single-season record of 1,753 yards set by Willis McGahee in 2002.
At the time of this posting, he’s on his way to threatening that record as the junior has 82 yards rushing on 12 carries as his ‘Canes trail the ‘Cocks 7-6 with 6:53 remaining in the second quarter.
Johnson has 3,387 career rushing yards, and his 5,331 all-purpose yards includes 1,288 on kickoff returns, 668 receiving and eight passing.