The Red and Black

Issue date: 3/17/09 Section: Sports

Marcus Lattimore [Click to enlarge]

College recruiters perennially have paraded into the powerhouse football program of Byrnes High School in Duncan, S.C., to attempt to lure some of the nation's best players to their respective schools.

And this year will be no different, as Byrnes' roster features 2010's No. 1 running back Marcus Lattimore. Lattimore, who rushed for 2,314 yards in his junior season, helped Byrnes win the state title this past season with 300 yards rushing in the state championship game, and recently was named the No. 1 running back in the country by Scout.com.

"It's a big honor, but I couldn't do nothing without my other teammates. They are the ones who made me No. 1, so I just thank them," Lattimore said.

Lattimore said many people think he runs like another former No. 1 running back - Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings.

"I like Adrian Peterson a lot," Lattimore said. "He's a great back, some people say I run like him because of my tackle breaking ability."

With such an impressive pedigree and skill set, the scholarship offers and recruiting letters have flooded in, as Lattimore has received offers from Georgia, LSU, Florida State, Clemson, Texas, Alabama, North Carolina and a bevy of other schools nationwide.

Lattimore has received a first-hand look at Georgia after being in Athens last summer for a one-day camp, and is looking closely at following the route to Georgia of current Bulldog Prince Miller, a former Byrnes High standout.

"I like Georgia a lot. I remember when I came down to the camp, all the coaches acknowledged me, even the defensive coaches, and I felt comfortable down there," Lattimore said. "Just [head] coach [Mark] Richt being the man he is, he's such a Christian man, and he's so down to earth."

Despite being a self-professed Florida State and South Carolina fan growing up, Lattimore says that won't affect his decision.

"I grew up a [South] Carolina and Florida State fan, but I don't really think it will make an impact on my decision," he said. "But I mainly pulled for Florida State when they had Chris Weinke and Peter Warrick."

While his childhood preferences may not be a factor in his decision, Lattimore says there are three things that he will be very interested in looking at when evaluating each of his potential schools.

"First will be if the school has my major, which is sports administration or sports management, but probably the second one would be how comfortable I feel there with the players, coaches, and in that environment. Third would probably be the facilities," said Lattimore.

Lattimore has visited Florida State, Duke, South Carolina and Clemson. He will be in Athens this Saturday for an unofficial visit to Georgia.

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