NCAAF, Team News / Analysis, Player News / Analysis, Rumors, South Carolina Gamecocks, marcus lattimore
Although it’s a sad day for Gamecock fans – who expected the star to return to the backfield sometime late next season or 2014 – it’s likely the best decision for Lattimore’s professional future.
Lattimore, a junior, suffered extensive ligament damage in his right knee after a nasty blow during the Tennessee game this season. This comes one year after a left knee injury took him out after just six games.
Former Miami (Fla.) and current Denver Broncos running back Willis McGahee endured a similar injury back in 2002, where he had to sit out an entire season before playing in his first NFL game in 2004.
McGahee, now a 10-year veteran, has had a productive career for three different professional organizations.
Lattimore finishes his collegiate tenure with 2,677 rushing yards and 38 touchdowns in three injury-plagued seasons.
Follow @Tyler_Waddell on Twitter
12/11/12 | Trokspot | 52 respect
I don't think there's any question that he will be drafted. Some team will be willing to take a gamble and take him mid-draft. Sure, it's not the same as it would have been, but he'll be getting paid to rehab. If he comes back successfully, he can play his way to a bigger contract. If he doesn't come back, at least he got a little money and quality rehab.
If he goes back to SC, there's potential to play his way back up towards a top spot in the draft, but that's a huge question mark. It's also possible that he gets hurt again, or that he doesn't come back and then people definitely won't take a chance on him. In that case he's completely screwed and has no money. I'd take middle of the round NFL now option, and then hope for a good recovery and the chance to play my way into a better contract...
12/11/12 | abac89 | 691 respect
But right now where is his draft stock? how many teams are going to be willing to gamble on a RB who has had 2 season ending knee injuries in the last 2 years? Hes a RB hes going to have to rely on his knees if he wants a future in the NFL
12/11/12 | Trokspot | 52 respect
I think that the only potential downfall of going now is that it would be *possible* for him to play his way back to a top overall pick in a couple of years. However, that's not any kind of gaurantee that it will happen (he could also potentially play himself right out of the NFL if he doesn't have a great year that proves he's back). I think he's clearly doing the right thing at this point.
12/10/12 |
Tyler_Waddell
|
293 respect
Could go either way. If he waits too long, his stock could completely diminish. It's a hard decision nonetheless.
12/10/12 | abac89 | 691 respect
I think this may be a mistake because hes had 2 season ending injuries that may scare some teams away.