Marcus Lattimore 17 days pic
17 YEARS AGO, Marcus Lattimore cemented himself as one of the all-time greats. 
 
Lattimore was one of the most highly-sought after recruits to ever come out of SC. The star Byrnes RB had an impeccable combo of speed and strength, making him one of the most college-ready prospects of his day.
 
He helped lead Byrnes to two state titles (2007,2008) and in his 2009 senior season, especially, Lattimore electrified the Rebel faithful every time he stepped on the field.
 
Lattimore rushed for nearly 1,900 yards and accounted for 36 TDs as a senior.
He was named 2009 Mr. Football and SC Gatorade Player of the Year. He was the top recruit in the state.
 
But Lattimore’s story was only beginning.
 
In a recruiting battle that came down to the wire between South Carolina and Auburn, Lattimore committed to the Gamecocks — and immediately made a massive impact.
 
Despite his college career being cut short by injuries, Lattimore still racked up 2,677 yards and 38 TDs. He cemented himself, despite his nagging physical ailments, as a Gamecock legend. 
 
Though Lattimore was drafted by the 49ers in the 4th round of the 2013 NFL Draft, he was never able to make an appearance. He found the road back to full potential — and the unforgiving task of being physically capable at an NFL-caliber level — was too much to overcome.
 
These days, Marcus is enjoying a new calling in life. He lives in Portland, OR with his wife, Miranda. They met at Byrnes and have been happily married for over a decade.
 
Marcus has developed a love for poetry, cultivating his abilities with words into his new passion. He teaches creative writing at the Oregon Change Clinic and was crowned the 2024 Grand Slam Poetry Champion of Oregon.
 
If you get lucky, every now and then, you may still see Lattimore paying a visit to his hometown.
 
Just last summer, the Rebel legend was in Duncan visiting old family and friends, even helping another former Byrnes star RB — Rahjai Harris — run his youth football camp.
 
Though Marcus now lives on the other side of the country, writing a brand new chapter of his life, one thing remains true.
 
The Marcus Lattimore chapter of Byrnes football is one of the most entertaining HS football stories ever told.
 
17 days until high school football is back.