My thoughts on Marcus

I know that I share the same sentiment towards Marcus as the rest of Gamecock Nation, but I just felt compelled to describe how much this kid means to me.

Marcus is more than a football player, he is an exemplary role model that puts maximum effort into every aspect of life. He is exactly what anyone who comes across a shred of fame should be. The only thing greater than his athletic ability is his character, and I can only hope that the next generation of players want to emulate Marcus both on and off the field in some way, even if it is in the slightest.

My heart is absolutely shattered for Marcus. This is something that is far, far greater than football; It is greater than team loyalty and pride. I feel like I have lost a brother, which I know may seem extreme, but it is hard to describe. I feel like Marcus gave everything for us, he ran his heart out every single down, he gave his all for every single yard. He has played for a university that had never tasted success and never knew what it meant to hyped. He wanted to change that, and so he worked and worked. He wanted to bring us something to be happy about. He gave his body and mind for the university that I have loved my entire life. Seeing him cover his head with the towel as he was carted off the field is the image that plays over and over in my mind. He doesn't deserve to feel pain. He never ran his mouth, he never acted cocky and overconfident, he just wanted to play. He's the least deserving person for something so horrible to happen to. I could care less about our season, I would have happily lost this game today if it meant that he would still be healthy. I just don't understand why such terrible things can happen to such good people.

I know that my speaking in the past tense implies that he is done for good, which we all know isn't the case. If he can, Marcus will come back, and he will give his all to do so. It is just the uncertainty of his injury, and the pain that was in his eyes that makes me feel this way. He doesn't deserve this. I felt the same way when he went down last year, and that is how I know that we have someone very, very special playing for our team.

We have been so unbelievably lucky to have Marcus Lattimore play for the University of South Carolina. I will always credit his decision to play for South Carolina as the moment that ushered in the golden age of our football program. The outpouring of support for Marcus from our rivals, our neighbors, and the entire nation shows the level of respect this kid's actions have garnered. The beautiful part of this is that Marcus never expected any of it, and he will never ask for any tribute or shower of acclaim at any point in his life.

If the indescribable happens and Marcus is done, my care for him won't change. Nothing can ever take away the delight and bliss that he has brought our university. He will always hold a special place in our collective hearts. I don't think he is done, though. I think he will be back on the field next season, reminding us all why we are so blessed to have him on our side.

Again, I know this probably isn't much different than what most Gamecock fans are feeling. It has just been such a glum day. However, I have a feeling that when Marcus makes a statement, he will tell us to not worry about him, and to focus on cheering on our Gamecocks. That's what I'm going to do. I'm done. Night yall.