By Jordan Dominick || Columbia already has a George Rogers Boulevard, but could a Marcus Lattimore Avenue be in the works this time a year from now?
It’s certainly a possibility. In fact, Las Vegas odds makers currently have the rising sophomore running back from the University of South Carolina listed third among potential Heisman Trophy candidates behind only Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck and Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones.
Given all of the preseason Heisman buzz surrounding Lattimore, it’s hard not to reminisce about George Rogers and his epic 1980 season. En route to becoming the first overall pick in the 1981 NFL Draft, Rogers led the nation in rushing with 1,781 yards to earn his trip to the Downtown Athletic Club in New York City.
There, he became the first (and to this day the only) player from either USC or Clemson to capture college football’s most prestigious individual award.
George Rogers
After being drafted by the Saints and racking up an NFL-leading 1,647 yards during his rookie season, Rogers eventually joined the Washington Redskins where he became a Super Bowl Champion in 1988. Yet while Rogers remains the only Heisman winner from either of South Carolina’s major in-state schools, he’s not the Palmetto state’s only tie to the award. In fact, its namesake – John Heisman – has a South Carolina connection.
Heisman coached the Clemson Tigers from 1900-1903, compiling a 19-3-2 record that still stands as the school’s all-time best winning percentage. In his first year at the helm, Heisman led Clemson to its first-ever undefeated season – a campaign in which the Tiger defense allowed just two touchdowns all year.
In Heisman’s final season at Clemson, the Tigers played Cumberland in a de facto bowl game dubbed “the Championship of the South.” His team also defeated Georgia Tech – a program he would later lead to national prominence – 73-0 that year. Because his career was marked by a 102-29-7 record with the Ramblin’ Wreck, many don’t realize that Heisman is the man who put Clemson’s football program on the map.
Returning to Lattimore, though … can he live up to the hype? Will his 2011 season add another chapter to the Palmetto state’s “Heisman history?”
After a stellar high school career, Lattimore burst onto the SEC scene a year ago as a true freshman – racking up 1,197 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns to go with his 412 receiving yards and two touchdown receptions. Lattimore’s bruising ground game also opened up the USC passing attack, leading to monster seasons for Gamecock quarterback Stephen Garcia and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery.
The end result of all that offensive firepower? South Carolina’s first SEC East championship, the school’s first Top 25 finish in nine years and only the third nine-win season in the program’s history. For his exploits, Lattimore was the unanimous AP “Freshman of the Year” and the only freshman named to the AP’s first-team All-SEC squad.
In fact, aside from the record-shattering season produced by eventual Heisman winner Cam Newton, a case could easily be made that Lattimore was the best player in the best conference in college football a year ago.
Based on his remarkable 2010 season -Lattimore is certainly deserving of the hype he’s getting heading into 2011. In fact, it’s scary for opposing defensive coordinators to think just how much better he’ll be this year after having a season of college football under his belt and another off-season to work on his game. Also, Lattimore will head into the upcoming season bigger and stronger than he was a year ago.
Cam Newton
To win the Heisman Trophy, though, a lot of things will have to fall into place for Lattimore. Perhaps the most important factor? Playing for an elite team.
It’s obvious that in recent years the Heisman has become less about being “the best player” and more about being “the best player on the No. 1 team.” In fact, of the last five Heisman winners – Cam Newton, Mark Ingram, Sam Bradford, Tim Tebow and Troy Smith – only Tebow won while failing to play for a national championship.
In order for Lattimore to win the Heisman, he’ll not only have to reprise his 2010 numbers – but the Gamecocks will likely need to earn a Bowl Championship Series bid. With an experienced roster and a more forgiving schedule than usual, that’s obviously a distinct possibility this year. In fact, barring major injuries, it’s arguably an expectation among long-suffering Gamecock fans.
And speaking of injuries, it goes without saying that Lattimore himself will need to stay healthy throughout the season. Missing time will not only adversely affect his numbers (which will be disseminated and dissected by numerous national analysts on a weekly basis this year), but the Gamecocks proved in 2010 that they weren’t the same team without him in the lineup.
Against Kentucky, for example, the Gamecocks built up a huge 28-10 lead in the first half on the strength of Lattimore’s three touchdowns and 212 all-purpose yards – but then fell apart after he went down with an injury early in the third quarter. They lost that game 31-28 – and delivered an unimpressive 21-7 victory over SEC doormat Vanderbilt the following week with Lattimore out of the lineup.
In the Chick-Fil-A Bowl against Florida State in December, Lattimore was knocked out of the game on the Gamecocks’ opening series. Without him, USC struggled en route to a 26-17 loss.
Obviously, the argument can be made that Kenny Miles and Brian Maddox filled in admirably for Lattimore in the bowl game – and that Stephen Garcia’s interceptions were what cost the team the game. Such an argument is valid, although it is important to consider that in other big games USC head coach Steve Spurrier rode the freshman for all he was worth – putting Garcia in more manageable situations.
Against Georgia, Lattimore carried the ball 37 times for 182 yards. Against Florida, in the game that clinched the SEC East title, Spurrier called Lattimore’s number 40 times as he raced to a career-high 212 yards. Not only did Lattimore chew up huge chunks of real estate, but the sheer volume of carries allowed his team to dictate the flow of the game.
If the Gamecocks are going to have similar success this season, Lattimore will once again have to carry a heavy load again and remain healthy while doing so.
One other tidbit to remember about preseason Heisman odds is that more often than not as of late, the Heisman winner has not been one of the favorites during the summer.
The last two winners — Netwon and Ingram— weren’t really on anybody’s radar the summer before their big seasons and neither were listed in the opening odds at Vegas. In 2007, Tebow was starting for the first time after coming in during situational scenarios the previous year for the Gators. In fact, of the previous five winners, only Bradford (10-1) and Smith (8-1) were truly considered contenders before the season began.
This recent trend of winners coming out of nowhere is interesting, but it’s unlikely to have any direct affect on Lattimore’s chances.
Barring a major injury, he should have another spectacular year and the Gamecocks should contend for the SEC championship and a BCS berth. And while it’s true that a lot of things need to happen for Lattimore’s name to be called in New York six months from now, none of those things are outside the realm of possibility.
Pic: Travis Bell, Sideline Carolina
By Big T June 24, 2011 at 11:03 am
When ALL the media marches in the Same direction, it is Usually the WRONG direction…
I hope Lattimore’s greatness is such a Slam Dunk, that even the meida’s lockstep does not hamper it…
But all the promotion of Lattimore spooks me. He is GREAT. And I just hope he can repeat his season of a year ago.
When the media gets on a theme, and overplays its hand, it can be a distraction because the weaker thinkers focus on the media’s goals instead of what is best for USC…
Again: I hope Marcus can put it out of his mind and just play his game.
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By Skidmarks June 24, 2011 at 11:55 am
Shhhh! This is not something that should be talked about. Shhhh!
By Billy Bob June 24, 2011 at 12:54 pm
Yep, I saw that Heisman play Lassimore made to the bowl game against FSU!! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!
By Big T June 24, 2011 at 1:21 pm
Who is “Lassimore”????
By RustyNail June 24, 2011 at 1:27 pm
Just depends on whether USC and Spurrier want to pay for it. All it takes is cash.
By Bubba Joe June 24, 2011 at 2:21 pm
I don’t know, it’s shown that Lattimore can’t take a hit. How many times was he knocked out of the game last year? For him to be considered as a candidate he’s going to have to get the ball at least as much as he did last season, which means at least as many hits.
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By Road Hog June 24, 2011 at 4:51 pm
Where have George Rogers, Herschel Walker, and Marcus Lattimore never been? THE CLEMSON END ZONE!
By V-n-MTP June 24, 2011 at 4:53 pm
I think Marcus will actually take more hits down around his ankles, knees and lower legs this year than he did in 2010. I just do not see to many people being dumb enough to take him on straight up. Of course, if Garcia has another 72 hour bender before a game and then hangs him out to dry on another swing pass (see: FSU), he may miss even more time than he did last year.
By Jeffy01 June 24, 2011 at 5:32 pm
Don’t need to score much against Clempsun to beat 7 points. 29-7!
By BradWarthenSucks June 24, 2011 at 6:26 pm
The big question, how many times per game will his helmet pop off. If I recall, one of the first things you do on the first day of practice is get a helmet that fits. What’s more important, his head or his cornrows?
By Billy Bob June 24, 2011 at 9:16 pm
@Big T, you’re right, I meant ‘pussy’more!! Did they ever determine how much was taken up in the collection plate at his church when he annouced his choice? How about the Rock Hill car dealer? Its always quiet just before the storm!!
By Wizno June 25, 2011 at 10:50 am
Sic….stop with the Gamecock articles, Nikki keeps dripping all over the mansion, it is quite disgusting.
By Big T June 25, 2011 at 11:24 am
Billy Bob: I don’t care if they gave Marcus a home in the Bahamas, a pass key to yo’ Mamma’s condo and a Lamborghini…That;s non of my business. Alshon, too….
When I’m watching TV on Saturday and Clemson is getting its ass kicked by BC, and SC is thummping No. I Bama..I GET OFF on that. It’s ALL that matters…
And as long as Clemson is buying guys like Tajh Boyd, while we spend money on cases of beer for Garcia, It’s a great football season….
By mtk June 26, 2011 at 4:14 pm
Bubba Joe–and how many of Lattimore’s yards were after breaking a tackle?? He can take a hit, but when any freshman rb takes the ball as much as he did in the SEC, he’s going to get hurt.
By Say What? June 26, 2011 at 8:24 pm
Despite an impressive convenience store campaign, CJ Spiller learned that playing for a (currently) elite program is critical to one”s Heisman hopes. OK, getting 16 yards or so in his final regular season game didn’t help, either.
By brent July 7, 2011 at 2:27 am
lattisphere is the shizzznittt get right clemsux before lattisphere runs up n down ur peice of crap field..go cocks..lattimore for heisman..
By Joe July 7, 2011 at 1:13 pm
Marcus has put on 15 lbs of muscle since last season. He looks like a FB now seeing him around campus. He is also the hardest worker we have here. One coach (can’t remember where) said Latti doesn’t want to be just the best in the SEC, he wants to be the best ever to play the game. I don’t think he is too caught up in the hype.
Disregard all Clemson fan’s opinion on the subject. They’re jealous because they got beat by SC in the big 3 college sports this year. Not to mention utterly dominated in football and baseball the past 2 seasons. Go back to your cow pasture losers
By sterlingrogers September 10, 2011 at 1:23 pm
Lattimore WAS hung out to dry by Garcia aginst Fla St.in last year’s bowl game,his entire body was a prime target and I wish he had let that one go but its aginst his nature! Otherwise ,as for taking a hit perhaps “Jimbob” should try to find a VHS tape of Lattimore to play in his JVC vcr! Get a “computer”,then you can find footage of Lattimore’s YAC(yards after contact)! Not only has je added 15-20 lbs of pure muscle,he added over a 1/10th of a second to his speed,E.G.from a 4.6 to a 4.5 or a bit more!
Jimbob,I do see Fla St.in the top 5 all year,if they played a tougher schedule they would contend for a Nat.Championship!They are the elite team in the ACC followed by VT.And I hate to say it but Clem’s son can be a spoiler and should land in the top 20,but again strength of schedule halts any further progress!
By sterlingrogers September 10, 2011 at 9:56 pm
Wow what a game in Athens! Lattimore had 176 yards in ?26 carries? Even better than the 187 on ?36? carries! UGA is a VERY underated team! Losing only to #5 & #12 teams! I’ve never seen a 276 lb DT run a fake punt for a 70 yd.TD!Then with the game on the line Clowney shows an 18 year old can make a game changing play with his fumble causing sack whick Ingram ran in for his 2nd TD!! UGA’s QB,MURRY has some game but Clowney just rose to the occasion!!
By sterlingrogers September 10, 2011 at 10:06 pm
Speaking of bying players Lateek Townsend was bought n paid for by a Clemson booster! I know as im from his hometown ,a very small S.C. town on the border of N.C.
There is a clear cut case ,yet the NCAA is so overwhelmed they can’t move on many peeps as shorthanded as they are!!
By sterlingrogers September 15, 2011 at 12:49 pm
I saw Hershel Walker on ESPN’s”College Football Today” around 9/6/11,give or take a day or two. I have never watched the show prior to this chance viewing since its in the middle of the week and if it doesn’t pertain to the SEC ,except this week I surfed into Hershel! ANYWAY, he was asked who his favorite RB is in the NCAA these days and without the slightest hesitation he replied “Marcus Lattimore”!! Then followed that statement by picking the Gamecocks over UGA!! So As former winners they get a vote in the Heisman race! So I’m guessing George Rogers & Hershel Walker will cast two votes Lattimore’s way ?? Just an early thought on the Heisman race!
By sterlingrogers September 15, 2011 at 1:40 pm
Lattimore is an enigma in todays football game! He has single handedly brought the term “WORKHORSE” back to the football lexicon! ,He,if afforded the chance (If the team gains an early lead) He can begin his ball controll running and as EVERY former RB and player recognizes ,the more he is afforded the opportunity to run the stronger he gets! As a true RB who averages well over 30 carries a game ,he DOES get stronger as the defense wears down! And when given this amount of carries he averages over 7 YARDS A CARRY!! Unheard of in todays game of offenses of the day or hopefully the week! LOL!!Walker also compared him as having the best traits of Emmit Smith & Barry Saunder’s vision and ability to stop & turn on a dime,and the pure raw power of Jim Brown,John Riggins & Larry Czonka!!! I was totally overwhelmed by these comparative statements! To have an even better game aginst UGA this year that last as UGA fully stacked the box in a vain attempt to stop Lattimore was the most impressive feat so far in his sophmore season!!! GO COCKS!!!!!
By sterlingrogers September 28, 2011 at 8:23 pm
Where are Jim Bob & Billy Joe now??? LMAO They must have seen Hershel Walker on ESPN telling the world that Lattimore is his favorite player to watch! That Lattimore reminds him of himself!! Nothing but praise for Lattimore from Hershel! And the same from George Rogers! Two voters!
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