Gamecocks' Lattimore declares for NFL Draft

Dec 12, 2012 - 9:42 PM Columbia, SC (Sports Network) - South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore announced on Wednesday that he will forego his final year of eligibility and enter the 2013 NFL Draft.

Lattimore will head to the pros despite have his 2012 campaign cut short on Oct. 27, when he suffered a gruesome injury to his right knee in a win over Tennessee.

The junior tailback injured several ligaments and had surgery to repair the damage in early November. Although he missed the final three regular-season games, the 21-year-old still led the Gamecocks in rushing with 662 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Lattimore also tore the ACL in his left knee during his sophomore season of 2011 which limited him to just seven games. The South Carolina native was named the SEC's Freshman of the Year the previous season after rushing for 1,197 yards and scoring 19 total touchdowns while appearing in all 13 contests.

Despite the injuries, Lattimore has scored a school record 41 total touchdowns and ranks among the best running backs to ever play at South Carolina. His 2,667 rushing yards are good for sixth-most in school history, while his 555 rushing attempts place fourth all-time.