Commentary: By definition, Marcus Lattimore is the greatest Gamecock

IT ALL BEGAN AT A modest church in February of 2010. A deep voice crept through a crowd of family, friends, and fans, announcing a commitment to play football for coach Steve Spurrier at the University of South Carolina. The voice was low but seasoned with a rare combination of confidence and genuine humility; and it was clear to everyone in attendance, something great was coming.

Marcus Lattimore, one of the most sought-after high school football players in the country, led his Byrnes teams to consecutive state championships his sophomore and junior seasons, rushing for over 4,000 yards in the process. In 2009, his senior season, he was named a USA Today All-American and Mr. Football of South Carolina among copious other awards. Given a five-star rating and ranked the top running back in the country by most recruiting services, Marcus Lattimore was one of the most decorated prospects in South Carolina high school history. He brought with him one of the most impressive resumes Gamecock fans had ever seen; yet, Marcus Lattimore was not great because of his potential.

At 6-feet tall and 220 pounds, Lattimore was a physical specimen. He had the power and grit of a fullback, the hands and finesse of a wide receiver, a remarkable center of gravity and a slashing running style picture perfect for an illustrious NFL career. It was as if he had been engineered in a running back lab combining the DNA of Jim Brown, Walter Peyton and Emmitt Smith. Falling forward and often leaving two or three defenders grasping for air, he always fought for an extra inch. He played with toughness, determination, and passion. Watching him perform, no one doubted his ability; yet, Marcus Lattimore was not great because of his athleticism.

Starting as a true freshman, Lattimore led the Gamecocks to their first SEC East title and SEC championship game. At the conclusion of that 2010 season, Lattimore was recognized as the unanimous NCAA Freshman of the Year and raked in every SEC honor available. He was a preseason Heisman Trophy candidate as a sophomore – before his a knee injury abbreviated his season. Lattimore set the South Carolina all-time record with 38 rushing touchdowns and 41 total touchdowns. One can only imagine all the records broken had he stayed healthy, and a Heisman would have been a distinct possibility. Regardless of a shortened career, he received countless accolades; yet, Marcus Lattimore was not great because of his achievements.

How do we define greatness? Many men whom have donned the garnet and black have possessed more potential or wowed fans with superior athleticism or celebrated finer achievements; but greatness is something else. Lattimore had it. Born out of his faith, reaffirmed by his integrity, and ultimately, displayed by his talent and character, Marcus Lattimore was the greatest.

Greatness transcends mere productivity. It encompasses not only the means of accomplishment but also the manner as well. Lattimore not only dominated with his brilliant play, but he competed and carried himself in such a way that earned respect from everyone around him, including his rivals and opposing coaches.

Greatness is not something you do but something you are. It is a posture. Unless your potential, ability and achievements are grounded in this posture, greatness eludes you. Lattimore exemplified this approach. Every facet of his career had this principle in mind. Humble and grateful, he understood his talent was a gift, and maximized it.

Greatness does not just entertain but inspires and transforms. When we see greatness, we cannot help but be changed. Coaches often talk about “changing the culture” when they are hired. Lattimore did that at South Carolina. His selfless attitude, work ethic and compassion for his teammates were infectious, leaving a legacy far beyond his career.

Greatness is when genuine character sustains extraordinary talent. By this definition, Marcus Lattimore was the greatest Gamecock.

It all ended on a crisp October afternoon in the confines of Williams Brice Stadium. Lattimore’s football career was over. Tennessee and South Carolina players alike, gathered around him in an astonishing display of mutual respect that I have never witnessed in all of sports. A palpable despondency overwhelmed the entire stadium to a silence. My two daughters were attending their first Carolina football game, and I could sense them wonder why their father’s eyes had an unfamiliar gloss to them.

It was as if the game had disappeared, and through the heartache, for a little while, we all remembered why we cared so much. Only Lattimore could have inspired that gut-wrenching yet beautiful moment, and it bore witness to his greatness. As he was being carted off the field, something occurred to me. I had witnessed something special; a career seasoned with a rare combination of confidence and genuine humility, and it was clear to everyone in attendance, something great was leaving.