‘Grateful and thankful’ for USC role, here’s what’s next for Marcus Lattimore
Marcus Lattimore’s time with the South Carolina football program is over for now, but his mark on the Gamecocks won’t soon be forgotten.
“Anyone who knows Marcus understands the impact he’s had on this program and this state,” said Gamecock great Connor Shaw, who was introduced Wednesday as Lattimore’s role of director of player development
Lattimore spoke with the USC players Sunday night, according to Shaw, as part of the transition.
“I’m stepping down to study trauma, travel, write, volunteer, and wherever I am, help young athletes understand themselves better,” Lattimore shared via Twitter on Wednesday morning. “Grateful for the opportunity that Coach Muschamp gave me. I’m also thankful for the young men in the locker room who allowed me to be a small part of their life.”
Lattimore, who ranks fifth on the program’s rushing list and had an outsized impact on the program, held the USC role since January 2018. He led the school’s Beyond Football program under Will Muschamp, which aimed to prepare players for life after their playing days.
Lattimore wants to continue studying psychology and will get into a program in Europe, Muschamp said. Lattimore indicated his plans in December, according to USC’s coach.
The change brings to an end a short stint for Lattimore, which followed a short run coaching football at Heathwood Hall. He had run a foundation that focused on youth development and Christian values.
Lattimore first came to Columbia as one of the most decorated high school players in the history of the state out of Byrnes. He started as a freshman, putting up the third-most yards in school history, leading the team to their only SEC East title in 2010.
The next two years showed promise, but each ended with knee injuries, the second so devastating it put his future in doubt. He was taken in the fourth round of the NCAA draft, but never managed to make it on the field in two seasons on the roster.
This was Lattimore’s full message posted Wednesday on social media.
“Gamecocks,
Your unconditional support is something I value and cherish. This SC soil is what made me, but now it’s time I dive in.
I’m stepping down to study trauma, travel, write, volunteer, and wherever I am, help young athletes understand themselves better.
Grateful for the opportunity that Coach Muschamp gave me. I’m also thankful for the young men in the locker room who allowed me to be a small part of their life.
Growth demands confrontation of thy self. Looking in the mirror was painful because I didn’t like what I saw. At all.
However, what you discover in return is a whole new person. A new perception of life.
Uninterested in statuses and societies unrealistic expectations. Free of judgement, only acceptance for all. A profound realization of the one thing connects us all.
The one thing that humbles you, and inspires you at the same time to do what you should.
Death.
Live your truth! And ignore the opinions of people who aren’t living their truth.
Sincerely,
Marcus Lattimore”
This story was originally published January 15, 2020 at 11:41 AM.
