Is Tuesday The Lattimore Referendum?
posted by Scott Hood, Monday, February 01, 2010
Supposedly, Lattimore has boiled his decision down to two schools – South Carolina and Auburn. But you truly never know in recruiting.
Being a Palmetto State product, most Gamecock fans are praying the rosary in earnest Lattimore will place the USC hat on his head Tuesday night when he makes his much-anticipated announcement around 6 p.m. at his church in Spartanburg.
Talking and listening to USC fans over the last month or so, there’s no question in my mind some Gamecock supporters view the Lattimore decision as a referendum on the school’s football program under Steve Spurrier.
Should it be? Again, it depends on your perspective.
Obviously, you have to start with the premise that grading an entire recruiting class based on one player is a bit unfair. Football is the ultimate team sport and even a great running back like Lattimore needs an effective offensive line to open holes for him. If they don’t, then he becomes just an ordinary running back.
In addition, USC already has some good young running backs on their roster. Both Kenny Miles and Jarvis Giles have three years of eligibility left, so it’s not like the cupboard will be bare if Lattimore elects not to sign with USC.
But, I also understand Lattimore is one of the highest profile prospects nationally to come out of South Carolina in a while. Most respectable recruiting services have rated him one of the top 10 players in the country for a while. In fact, the Sporting News had him at No. 1 until recently. He’s currently No. 2 on their list.
And for good reason. Lattimore is a stud running back with his good size and great speed. Moreover, it appears he has a good head on his shoulders.
One reason Lattimore’s decision is such a big deal is because of the well-documented struggles of the USC offense, particularly the ground game. I don’t have to tell most USC fans that the Gamecocks have finished last in the SEC in rushing offense for the last three seasons.
I’m sure Lattimore is well aware of that fact as well.
Lattimore has been quoted (when he was talking to the media, though he broke his silence Monday with an interview at sportingnews.com) as saying he had concerns about the USC offense.
Based strictly on Lattimore’s talent, his announcement is a big deal for Spurrier. It could be years before USC is this close to signing a running back of Lattimore’s caliber. In my opinion, that’s more important than saying the announcement is a referendum on Spurrier’s tenure.
Since Lattimore is such a special player, I suggest the following scenario: rather than announcing his decision at his church, he should take a cue from the Vatican. Lattimore and his family and select friends would remain inside his home in Spartanburg, while the media and “the community” (his minister’s term) gather outside. When the appropriate time comes, the chimmey would tell us which school he is attending. White smoke for USC, Black smoke for Auburn.
Just a suggestion.
Here’s another reason people are watching the Lattimore decision closely - without question, USC and Clemson have both struggled during the 2010 recruiting cycle to convince many of the best Palmetto State players to stay at home. Right now, six of the top 13 players are headed out of state, according to the revised state rankings released late last week by Rivals.com.
If Lattimore picks Auburn, it would mean four of the top five players in the state plan to play their college football elsewhere. Frankly, that would be very disappointing.
The struggles of USC and Clemson to put a fence around the borders contrast sharply with the states of Georgia and Alabama. In the Peach State, four of the top seven recruits, including the top three, have verbally committed to UGA head coach Mark Richt.
In the Yellowhammer State, most of the top recruits have historically signed with either the Crimson Tide or Tigers and this year is no different.
Right now, 10 of the top 11 prospects in Alabama plan to play for either Nick Saban or Gene Chizik.
When USC and Clemson reach that point, we’ll know they have truly put a fence around the borders.
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In a matter of hours, we’ll know where highly-touted running back Marcus Lattimore of Byrnes High School will play his college football.
Supposedly, Lattimore has boiled his decision down to two schools – South Carolina and Auburn. But you truly never know in recruiting.
Being a Palmetto State product, most Gamecock fans are praying the rosary in earnest Lattimore will place the USC hat on his head Tuesday night when he makes his much-anticipated announcement around 6 p.m. at his church in Spartanburg.
Talking and listening to USC fans over the last month or so, there’s no question in my mind some Gamecock supporters view the Lattimore decision as a referendum on the school’s football program under Steve Spurrier.
Should it be? Again, it depends on your perspective.
Obviously, you have to start with the premise that grading an entire recruiting class based on one player is a bit unfair. Football is the ultimate team sport and even a great running back like Lattimore needs an effective offensive line to open holes for him. If they don’t, then he becomes just an ordinary running back.
In addition, USC already has some good young running backs on their roster. Both Kenny Miles and Jarvis Giles have three years of eligibility left, so it’s not like the cupboard will be bare if Lattimore elects not to sign with USC.
But, I also understand Lattimore is one of the highest profile prospects nationally to come out of South Carolina in a while. Most respectable recruiting services have rated him one of the top 10 players in the country for a while. In fact, the Sporting News had him at No. 1 until recently. He’s currently No. 2 on their list.
And for good reason. Lattimore is a stud running back with his good size and great speed. Moreover, it appears he has a good head on his shoulders.
One reason Lattimore’s decision is such a big deal is because of the well-documented struggles of the USC offense, particularly the ground game. I don’t have to tell most USC fans that the Gamecocks have finished last in the SEC in rushing offense for the last three seasons.
I’m sure Lattimore is well aware of that fact as well.
Lattimore has been quoted (when he was talking to the media, though he broke his silence Monday with an interview at sportingnews.com) as saying he had concerns about the USC offense.
Based strictly on Lattimore’s talent, his announcement is a big deal for Spurrier. It could be years before USC is this close to signing a running back of Lattimore’s caliber. In my opinion, that’s more important than saying the announcement is a referendum on Spurrier’s tenure.
Since Lattimore is such a special player, I suggest the following scenario: rather than announcing his decision at his church, he should take a cue from the Vatican. Lattimore and his family and select friends would remain inside his home in Spartanburg, while the media and “the community” (his minister’s term) gather outside. When the appropriate time comes, the chimmey would tell us which school he is attending. White smoke for USC, Black smoke for Auburn.
Just a suggestion.
Here’s another reason people are watching the Lattimore decision closely - without question, USC and Clemson have both struggled during the 2010 recruiting cycle to convince many of the best Palmetto State players to stay at home. Right now, six of the top 13 players are headed out of state, according to the revised state rankings released late last week by Rivals.com.
If Lattimore picks Auburn, it would mean four of the top five players in the state plan to play their college football elsewhere. Frankly, that would be very disappointing.
The struggles of USC and Clemson to put a fence around the borders contrast sharply with the states of Georgia and Alabama. In the Peach State, four of the top seven recruits, including the top three, have verbally committed to UGA head coach Mark Richt.
In the Yellowhammer State, most of the top recruits have historically signed with either the Crimson Tide or Tigers and this year is no different.
Right now, 10 of the top 11 prospects in Alabama plan to play for either Nick Saban or Gene Chizik.
When USC and Clemson reach that point, we’ll know they have truly put a fence around the borders.
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Scott Hood. Since February of 2005, Scott has covered the South Carolina football, men's basketball and baseball programs for GamecockCentral. He may be reached by email at scottblog(at)gamecockcentral.com. Replace (at) with @.