Dec. 14, 2010

University of South Carolina running backs coach Jay Graham is one of four finalists for Running Backs Coach of the Year, as determined by FootballScoop.com.

Here’s what the internet site had to say about the Gamecocks’ second-year coach:

“Give credit to running backs coach Jay Graham for the development of true freshman Marcus Lattimore. Highly touted running backs often do not live up to the hype, especially early in their careers, but Lattimore exceeded all expectations. The outstanding play from Lattimore and fullback Patrick DiMarco made things much easier for quarterback Stephen Garcia. Remarkably, as a true freshman, Lattimore did not lose a single fumble this season. In fact, the South Carolina running backs lost just 1 fumble the entire season. Coach Graham has to be proud of his backs. They were a huge reason the Gamecocks clinched their first SEC East championship in school history.”

The FootballScoop Coaches of the Year awards presented by SpeedTracs are the only set of awards that recognize the most outstanding position coaches in college football. Finalists were selected based off of nominations by coaches, athletic directors, and athletic department personnel. A panel of coaches including previous recipients will determine the 2010 winners. Votes tallied on FootballScoop.com are considered; however a panel of coaches make the final decision.

The other three finalists are Jim Mastro from Nevada, Rob Reeves from Northern Illinois and John Settle from Wisconsin.