Dec. 15, 2010

University of South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore has been selected as the National Freshman of the Year by Sporting News, the sports magazine announced today. He also earned a spot on Sporting News’ All-Freshman team.

Here’s what Sporting News had to say about the six-foot, 218-pound standout from Duncan, S.C.:

“Other than (College Football Player of the Year Cam) Newton, Lattimore has been the best offensive player in the nation’s best conference. Heading into his team’s bowl game, he has 1,198 rushing yards and 19 total touchdowns–tied for seventh in the country.”

Lattimore had previously been named National Freshman of the Year by CBSSportsline.com, Rivals.com, CollegeFootballNews.com and Phil Steele Publications; was a second team Walter Camp and fourth team Phil Steele All-American; earned first team All-SEC honors; and has been a unanimous choice as SEC Freshman of the Year.