Former South Carolina Gamecocks running back Marcus Lattimore has always been known for two things: his ability to run through opposing defenses and his horrific knee injuries. The dynamic Lattimore attempted a run at an NFL career, but his restructured right knee never allowed him to play a single snap, forcing him to retire from the San Francisco 49ers in May of last year. Head coach Steve Spurrier has always suggested that if Lattimore’s career never panned out, he would welcome him back on the Gamecocks sidelines.
“We’ll find something for (Lattimore) to do, whether it’s football or general athletics,” Spurrier said in November, after news broke Lattimore is retiring from the NFL. “He has put everything into it. It’s disappointing.”
According to Chris Clark of Gamecock Central, it was made official that Lattimore will become a member of the South Carolina coaching staff, but it remains to be seen to what capacity he works. Lattimore’s expertise from the tailback position should be able to crossover into the coaching world and his advice could greatly help the position players.
A season ago, the Gamecocks ranked a disappointing 67th in the nation with 161.7 yards per game, led by junior Mike Davis.
Lattimore was among coach Spurrier’s top recruits and really helped change the outlook of the Gamecocks program. He was a major catalyst in rebuilding the South Carolina program and what better way to repay him than finding a spot for him on the coaching staff. The newly structured running attack will be in full form when the Gamecocks open the 2015 campaign against rival North Carolina, but the more important tests will come as South Carolina enters SEC play.
*Section Photo credit to Jason O. Watson, Getty Images; Featured Photo (above) credit to Jeff Blake, USA Today Sports.
