Marcus Lattimore, RB

04/08/2013 - 2013 South Carolina Pro Day: There were 32 NFL teams represented at South Carolina Pro Day on March 27. Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis was among the coaches who attended. A total of 18 players worked out on field-turf outdoors in 50 degree weather with 5 mph wind. The scouts who attended enjoyed the well-run pro day. Marcus Lattimore RB (5-11 7/8, 219 pounds) - He did not do any sprints or jumps, but he did go through workout that approved by his medical team, however, Lattimore did catch the football in a stationary position. The entire South Carolina football team and Lattimore's mother gave Lattimore a loud ovation after he completed his final workout.

One scout said that as many pro days he's attended he's never seen a player get applauded for a workout. This kid is one of the nicest people you'll ever come across. His mother and step father are just wonderful people. It's unfortunate that he got hurt. He was a very, very good football player. It looks right now like he's battled all the odds and he's going to win and get a chance to play in the NFL. It's unbelievable what he's accomplished after a devastating injury in his last year at South Carolina. - Gil Brandt, NFL.com

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Lattimore signed with South Carolina rated by some recruiting experts as the elite running back prospect in the country two years ago. He quickly proved well worth the hype, rushing for 1,197 yards and a scoring a school-record 19 touchdowns (17 rushing, two receiving) to earn not only First Team All-SEC honors but also earn recognition as the consensus SEC Freshman of the Year and national Freshman of the Year.

Lattimore's success early on may have been due in part to opponents game-planning for the traditional Steve Spurrier-led passing frenzy, but by the end of the year the powerful and determined Lattimore had transformed the Gamecocks into primarily a run-based team.

Lattimore was well on his way toward improving his gaudy totals in 2011 (818 yards, 10 TDs through seven games) before suffering a devastating knee injury against Mississippi State that ended his year. Lattimore was held out of spring practices as he recovered from surgery to repair the torn ACL.

He returned for fall practice and was again one of South Carolina's biggest offensive threats in 2012 before tearing three of four knee ligaments against Tennessee on Oct. 27. The knee had to be restructured, but there were no cartilage problems and Lattimore opted to cut his losses and head for the NFL.

STRENGTHS: Outstanding burst and balance to stay on his feet through contact. Strong finisher, lowering his pads and continuing to pump his legs.

Very good at keeping defenders off balance, showing excellent acceleration, anticipation and footwork. Natural balance and feel between the tackles with good vision and patience to follow his blocks. Reliable receiving target, adjusting well to the ball with good focus.

Never goes down easy and rarely goes out of bounds, running with toughness and confidence. Good effort in pass protection and not shy about giving up his body. Taking better care of himself off-the-field with improved practice habits and stronger work ethic.

WEAKNESSES: Lacks elite speed to consistently win the edge or out-run defenders. Strong durability concerns with two serious knee injuries the past two seasons and currently rehabbing a right knee injury from last October. Didn't look 100 percent this past season after his 2011 left knee injury and wore down late in games. Will he ever be able to return to form or will he a shell of what he once was?