Nov. 8, 2012

University of South Carolina junior running back Marcus Lattimore underwent successful surgery on Friday, November 2, team physician Dr. Jeffrey Guy confirmed today.

Lattimore had several ligaments surgically repaired in his right knee by a team of physicians in Birmingham, Ala. Lattimore’s surgery was a collaborative effort between USC team physician Dr. Jeffrey Guy, Dr. Lyle Cain, and USC team consultant Dr. James Andrews. He returned to Columbia over the weekend and was released from a local hospital on Monday. Lattimore is in good spirits and has already begun the rehabilitation process. At this time, there are no plans for further surgery, according to Dr. Guy.

Lattimore, a six-foot, 212-pounder from Duncan, S.C., suffered a significant impact to the front of his right knee late in the second quarter of the Gamecocks’ 38-35 win over Tennessee on October 27. The ensuing hyperextension of the knee resulted in injury to several ligaments. There were no fractures or additional injuries. Prior to the injury, he gained 65 yards on 11 carries, including a 28-yard touchdown run, against the Vols.

Lattimore was the Gamecocks’ leading rusher this season, gaining 662 yards on 143 carries (4.6 yards per carry), with a team-leading 11 touchdowns. He was also the top receiver with 26 catches for 173 yards. The 2010 National Freshman of the Year, Lattimore was coming off a season-ending left knee injury suffered against Mississippi State in the seventh game of the 2011 campaign.

For his career, Lattimore has rushed 555 times (fourth in school history) for 2,677 yards (sixth in school history) with 41 total touchdowns including 38 rushing touchdowns, both school records.

The ramp signage at Williams-Brice Stadium recognizing Lattimore’s school record 38 rushing touchdowns will be unveiled during Saturday’s game against Arkansas. However, Marcus, Dr. Guy and head football athletic trainer Clint Haggard have agreed it is not in Marcus’s best interest to attend the game. The Gamecocks will host the Razorbacks in a noon contest on November 10.