Marcus Lattimore

Lattimore signed with South Carolina rated by some recruiting experts as the elite running back prospect in the country two years ago. He quickly proved well worth the hype, rushing for 1,197 yards and a scoring a school-record 19 touchdowns (17 rushing, two receiving) to earn not only First Team All-SEC honors but also earn recognition as the consensus SEC Freshman of the Year and national Freshman of the Year. Lattimore's success early on may have been due in part to opponents game-planning for the traditional Steve Spurrier-led passing frenzy, but by the end of the year the powerful and determined Lattimore had transformed the Gamecocks into primarily a run-based team. Lattimore was well on his way toward improving his gaudy totals in 2011 (818 yards, 10 TDs through seven games) before suffering a devastating knee injury against Mississippi State that ended his year. Lattimore was held out of spring practices as he recovered from surgery to repair the torn ACL. He returned for fall practice and was again one of South Carolina's biggest offensive threats in 2012 before tearing three of four knee ligaments against Tennessee on Oct. 27. The knee had to be restructured, but there were no cartilage problems and Lattimore opted to cut his losses and head for the NFL.

strengths

Outstanding burst and balance to stay on his feet through contact. Strong finisher, lowering his pads and continuing to pump his legs.

very good at keeping defenders off balance, showing excellent acceleration, anticipation and footwork. natural balance and feel between the tackles with good vision and patience to follow his blocks. reliable receiving target, adjusting well to the ball with good focus.

Never goes down easy and rarely goes out of bounds, running with toughness and confidence. Good effort in pass protection and not shy about giving up his body. Taking better care of himself off-the-field with improved practice habits and stronger work ethic.

weaknesses

Lacks elite speed to consistently win the edge or out-run defenders. Strong durability concerns with two serious knee injuries the past two seasons and currently rehabbing a right knee injury from last October. Didn't look 100 percent this past season after his 2011 left knee injury and wore down late in games. Will he ever be able to return to form or will he a shell of what he once was?

2012: Held out of spring practice while recovering from ACL surgery. 2011: Suffered a torn ACL against Mississippi State in the 10th game. Missed the remainder of the season.

One of the most decorated prospects in South Carolina high school history

rushed for 6,375 yards and scored 104 touchdowns in his prep career at Byrnes High School, graduating in 2010

named to Parade Magazine's 47th annual All-American High School Football Team

coached by Chris Miller

had 260 carries for 1,898 yards and 31 TDs as a senior

also caught 48 passes for 675 yards

named South Carolina's Mr. Football

was a two-time AP All-State honoree and the state's Gatorade Player of the Year

earned offensive MVP honors in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas and also played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl

was a finalist for the U.S. Army Player of the Year

helped the Rebels reach the AAAA Division I championship game as a senior after leading his team to the state title in both 2007 and 2008

as a junior, rushed for 2,314 yards on 305 carries with 30 TDs

carried 284 times for 1,836 yards as a sophomore

regarded as the nation's second-best player by Sporting News

considered a five-star recruit, the nation's 10th-best player and second among the running backs, and the top player in the state by Rivals.com

ranked as a five-star prospect, the ninth-best player in the country and tops among the running backs by Scout.com

rated a four-star prospect, the nation's 19th-best player and the second best running back by ESPN.com

considered the nation's top running back prospect by SuperPrep

listed third on PrepStar's Top 150 Dream Team

named second-team All-American by MaxPreps.com and was an EA Sports All-American

named the ESPN RISE Junior National Football Player of the Year, earned a spot on the Orlando Sentinel's All-Southern team, and was a MaxPreps.com All-American as a junior

selected South Carolina over Auburn among many offers.

Marcus Lattimore is working on a degree in public health

regarded as an excellent bowler

spends time in the community speaking to church and youth groups.