Is Marcus Lattimore's career as a Gamecock over?
Junior Running Back to forgo senior season, declare for 2013 NFL Draft
Rumors broke early Monday morning that South Carolina Running Back Marcus Lattimore had made the decision to declare for the NFL draft, thus ending his career at the University of South Carolina. Ending a career in which just three years time, and truthfully only two full seasons combined due to injuries, that has turned him into not only a legend in South Carolina Gamecock history, but college football as a whole. Many people had Lattimore listed as a strong candidate for the Heisman heading into this season, but after suffering another devastating season-ending leg injury on October 27th against Tennessee, Lattimore was forced to watch the second half of the season from the sidelines for the second year in a row. Marcus had already overcome the odds and returned this year stronger and better than ever rushing for 662 yards and 11 touchdowns. It appeared he hadn't missed a beat and had made a full and complete recovery. However, a gruesome, gut-wrenching injury against the Vols left some, myself included, wondering if #21 would ever take the field again...whether it be for South Carolina or in the NFL. Hands down the worst injury I have ever seen. It left Williams-Brice Stadium nearly silent for over 10 minutes that dreadful afternoon in October.
So far, Lattimore is on schedule with his rehab and isn't using crutches. However, after suffering two injuries capable of ending his career two years in a row, it was time for Marcus to sit down and think over his next move. He promised Gamecock fans that they had not seen the last of him. I think he will be back too, but according to sources close to the situation, the next time we see Lattimore he'll be sporting a new jersey and possibly a new number as well. If the rumors are true, Marcus will leave South Carolina a year early as the all-time leading TD King in Columbia and will finish with 2,766 yards and 38 touchdowns overall. (Makes you wonder just how much he could have done had he stayed healthy all three years!) After his injury against Tennessee, Lattimore received an outpouring of support from athletes and coaches all over the nation including RGII, 2012 Heisman winner, Johnny Manziel, and NBA star Lebron James, all of which reached out to Marcus via twitter following his injury. South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley even dubbed October 29th, 2012, also Marcus' 21st birthday, statewide "Marcus Lattimore Day" and a Student Government organized pep rally was held in his honor on campus.At the rally, teammates, head coach Steve Spurrier and AD Ray Tanner all addressed the crowd and honored Lattimore.
As a Clemson fan, I must say there hasn't been another Gamecock player in my lifetime I've had more respect for. Such a good guy with a hard work ethic and a love for football. He gave his all to this University and program and earned the respect of fans and players across the nation. I'll be the first to say once he is ready to take the field again, I'll be one of his biggest supporters at the next level. He is a class-act guy and I wish him nothing but the best and a healthy career from here on out. If and when he makes his second big return to football, he will join the the ranks of Willis McGahee, Frank Gore, and Eddie George; all of whom overcame major leg/knee injuries to play again. Like these guys, Lattimore will have to not only have to work hard to make his return, but prove to owners and coaches that he is fully recovered and worth the risk with his past history of injuries. #21 no doubt has NFL talent and ability but it will be interesting to see who is willing to invest in him and how early he will go in the draft. Lattimore has the toughness and skill you can't coach. No other player in the country has his combination of size and ability to get the tough "between-the-tackles" yards as well as be able to explode through holes and accelerate and make cuts and moves like Marcus. His big size and speed make him a nightmare to bring down and 9 times out of 10, he's gonna get a yard or two more after in the initial contact. That ability and talent play in his favor big time as he prepares to embark on his journey to the NFL. Best of Luck, #21!
Rumors broke early Monday morning that South Carolina Running Back Marcus Lattimore had made the decision to declare for the NFL draft, thus ending his career at the University of South Carolina. Ending a career in which just three years time, and truthfully only two full seasons combined due to injuries, that has turned him into not only a legend in South Carolina Gamecock history, but college football as a whole. Many people had Lattimore listed as a strong candidate for the Heisman heading into this season, but after suffering another devastating season-ending leg injury on October 27th against Tennessee, Lattimore was forced to watch the second half of the season from the sidelines for the second year in a row. Marcus had already overcome the odds and returned this year stronger and better than ever rushing for 662 yards and 11 touchdowns. It appeared he hadn't missed a beat and had made a full and complete recovery. However, a gruesome, gut-wrenching injury against the Vols left some, myself included, wondering if #21 would ever take the field again...whether it be for South Carolina or in the NFL. Hands down the worst injury I have ever seen. It left Williams-Brice Stadium nearly silent for over 10 minutes that dreadful afternoon in October.
As a Clemson fan, I must say there hasn't been another Gamecock player in my lifetime I've had more respect for. Such a good guy with a hard work ethic and a love for football. He gave his all to this University and program and earned the respect of fans and players across the nation. I'll be the first to say once he is ready to take the field again, I'll be one of his biggest supporters at the next level. He is a class-act guy and I wish him nothing but the best and a healthy career from here on out. If and when he makes his second big return to football, he will join the the ranks of Willis McGahee, Frank Gore, and Eddie George; all of whom overcame major leg/knee injuries to play again. Like these guys, Lattimore will have to not only have to work hard to make his return, but prove to owners and coaches that he is fully recovered and worth the risk with his past history of injuries. #21 no doubt has NFL talent and ability but it will be interesting to see who is willing to invest in him and how early he will go in the draft. Lattimore has the toughness and skill you can't coach. No other player in the country has his combination of size and ability to get the tough "between-the-tackles" yards as well as be able to explode through holes and accelerate and make cuts and moves like Marcus. His big size and speed make him a nightmare to bring down and 9 times out of 10, he's gonna get a yard or two more after in the initial contact. That ability and talent play in his favor big time as he prepares to embark on his journey to the NFL. Best of Luck, #21!
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