There has been much speculation and anticipation surrounding the recruitment for the services of Byrnes High School running back Marcus Lattimore. Lattimore has stated that he has narrowed his choices down to either Auburn University or the University of South Carolina.
Marcus Lattimore is a gem of an athlete and is ranked high on every recruiting service. Most top recruiting sites has Marcus as being a five star recruit and the number one running back out of high school. I know you cannot put a lot of weight into stars and rankings as these high school kids have never taken a collegiate snap in a much faster game. But what is for certain in dealing with Mr. Lattimore, is no matter which direction he chooses to pursue his college education and athletic career he is a big time win for the school that gets him.
With the moment of truth just around the corner for Marcus Lattimore, let me go ahead and tell you that he will sign with South Carolina.
Some may disagree but let me tell you three reasons why he will become a Gamecock:
1. Circumstances surrounding the announcement — Marcus will announce his college of choice in Duncan, South Carolina in front of a pro-Carolina partisan crowd. If he was going to say Auburn, I feel strongly that it would have been done at one of the high school all-star games not in front of potentially hundreds of gamecock fans. With all the build up and speculation, it would have been easier on him to announce he was going to Auburn at an out of state venue rather than stand in front of the cameras and admirers and pick up a Tigers ball cap. For that, I say he chooses South Carolina.
2. Opportunity at South Carolina — One could easily say that if he goes to Auburn he stands a greater chance at getting tons of rushing yards and gridiron glory. Yet if he comes to South Carolina, he comes in to a situation where he also could decent stats but at USC he is “the man.” At Auburn he is one of two freshman backs that must fight for playing time. At South Carolina, he will get promised enough carries to have an impact his first year as he learns the Southeastern Conference. For Marcus, it is come to USC where you will be both the “big man on campus” and a State’s hero. The fans will adore you, as they can say they say you in high school and stories will make you sound like you can leap buildings while carrying USC to a Championship. Go to Auburn and you are just a big time recruit from South Carolina. Yes, you can potentially win some games and compile nice stats but the connection is not the same. I feel he desires the spotlight and Coach Spurrier has promised him an emphasis in running the ball that will please his appetite to prove that he is a potential NFL caliber running back.
3. You cannot spell Marcus without U-S-C — this kid bleeds garnet folks. He grew up a South Carolina fan, wore the apparel to school and attended camps in Columbia. He has developed relationships with coaches and players. His sister attended South Carolina and he knows the school from different angles. Play at USC and your friends and family can come see every game. Go to Auburn and it is more difficult to have the support there for each game. To sum it up, his dream was and is to be a Gamecock.
I know Marcus will make the right choice for him and no matter where he goes he will be successful. I think his choice will be South Carolina due to my three reasons above. They are pretty simple and straightforward. Many may try to disagree and throw out stats and how Spurrier is not a running back friendly coach. I again say look at these three simple reasons and let’s not dive into the complicated issues. Sometimes choices are just that easy. In this case the answer lies in the circumstances surrounding his announcement, the opportunity to be “the man” at South Carolina and lastly you cannot spell Marcus without “U-S-C.”
