April 24, 2013
Marcus Lattimore may go down in history as one of the greatest players to ever wear the Garnet and Black. In addition to breaking school records in career touchdowns and career rushing TDs in less than three seasons, he was a leader and emotional core of the team off the field, even when missing playing time due to knee injuries. Lattimore’s 2012 season-ending injury inspired an outpouring of support from across the country and his recovery so far is already nothing short of remarkable, impressing scouts with his progress at the Gamecocks’ Pro Day just five months after his injury. Considered the top running back in the draft before his injury, Marcus hopes to still contribute to a team early thanks to his ahead-of-schedule rehabilitation progress. What Marcus as a person and football player has meant to Gamecock fans, Coach Spurrier, and his teammates cannot be understated.
Get everything you need to know about your NFL team’s newest player here!
NFL Combine Vital Stats:
Combine Participant Page
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 221 lbs.
Grade: 74.9
*Lattimore did not participate in drills at the NFL Combine, but went through a full medical evaluation and media interviews.
Check out some of Lattimore’s highlights:
You can watch more Lattimore videos on the GamecocksOnline Marcus Lattimore YouTube playlist
Awards and Notes:
-Established a new school record for career touchdowns (41) and rushing touchdowns (38).
-Leading rusher with 662 yards and 11 touchdowns in only nine games in 2012
-Four-time SEC Offensive Player of the Week in 2012
-2012 honorable mention All-SEC by the Associated Press
-Finished his career sixth in school history with 2,677 rushing yards, fourth in rushing attempts with 555, third in points scored (246) and tied for second with 11 career 100-yard rushing games.
What They’re Saying About No. 21:
“Lattimore wants to make clear to anyone who saw his injury that nothing about him is broken. And for the team that has enough faith in Lattimore to draft him, he hopes to prove as much in September. “This is going to be a great story,” Lattimore says. “I promise you that.” – Sports Illustrated
Lattimore: I’ll be ready by Week 1 – USA TODAY
Lattimore’s Road to Recovery – NFL.com
Two in a million? – ESPN (Video below)
Gruden’s Camp: Marcus Lattimore – ESPN
Lattimore’s future is hot topic in this week’s NFL draft
“`Maybe it’s wishful thinking, but you just want to see the guy be successful…I think he’s a prospect. I don’t think there is any question — everyone would say it — that had he not had these injuries (he would be a high draft pick). When you listen to him, you talk to him, the way he’s come back, there is nothing that can stop him.'” – Former Florida and Illinois head coach Ron Zook
Lattimore braces for NFL draft – AP
“South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier believes Lattimore’s character will go a long way to overcoming doubts about his durability. Spurrier has called Lattimore the most popular player in Gamecocks history. “He’s going to be a success at whatever he does because of the kind of person he is,” Spurrier said.
Features:
Photo Gallery
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Marcus on Instagram:
