The University of South Carolina had the honor of calling arguably one of the best college football players to grace the SEC a Gamecock, Marcus Lattimore. Marcus Lattimore rushed for 2,677 yards and 38 touchdowns throughout his time at USC and he left a greater impact on the university as a whole than the points he projected on the scoreboard.     

As a senior, I’ve had the opportunity to sit in the student section for four years and cheer on our alma mater. Having the chance to watch Lattimore perform on the field doing what he loves in such an effortless way provided me with memories of college football seasons that I will never forget. Below is a highlight tape from his freshman season. Lattimore was an integral part of the Gamecocks winning the SEC East that year.

I was in the student section on October 27, 2012 and witnessed the tragic hit that caused Lattimore his college, and ultimately NFL career. The crowd stood in silence and disbelief as we realized that it was Lattimore who was injured on the field and watched helplessly as medics, trainers and coaches alike rushed to his aid. As Lattimore was wheeled off the field, the crowd, Tennessee fans and players included, gave Lattimore a standing ovation as everyone in the stadium knew the talent that existed within this player.   

For weeks following Lattimore’s incident, rumors circulated regarding the extent of his injury. A junior in college with his 21st birthday approaching just a few days later, Gamecock nation waited anxiously to hear what was to come for Lattimore, who, previous to his injury, was being considered as a first round pick in the 2013 NFL draft after being South Carolina's Mr. Football as a senior in high school.

After the announcement that Lattimore would not finish out the 2012 season with South Carolina, Lattimore was determined to make a comeback. Working hard through rehabilitation to strengthen his knee, Lattimore’s prayers were answered when the San Francisco 49ers took a chance and chose this former second-team All-American running back in the 4th round of the 2013 NFL draft. Needless to say, South Carolina fans were thrilled and excited about Lattimore’s potential comeback and the Gamecocks continued to stand behind this incredible player, person and former student.   

Unfortunately, no matter how hard Lattimore worked to recover from his devastating knee injury, his body was never quite able to cooperate with him. Well into the 2014 NFL season, Lattimore’s talent still hasn’t been able to be displayed on the NFL playing field.  

Though nothing has been definitely decided, Lattimore is rumored to be announcing his retirement from the NFL due to his persisting knee issues. There was talk as of November 3rd of Lattimore meeting with his team to discuss the future of his NFL career. 

As someone who has been rooting for Marcus Lattimore since day one, it’s difficult to hear that something so devastating, such as retiring from his short lived NFL career, could be the ultimate  for such an incredible player and person. I think I can speak for most USC fans when I say that we are thankful for the time that Lattimore spent as a Gamecock and even more thankful for the constant heart that he played with for a game that he loves.   

Marcus Lattimore will always been remembered as one of the best players that the University of South Carolina has had the pleasure of cheering for—“#21 on the field…#1 in our hearts!”