Marcus Lattimore shares his thanks

South Carolina star running back Marcus Lattimore had a video message for Gamecock fans today. Lattimore recently underwent knee surgery for a severe knee injury suffered against the Tennessee Volunteers on October 27.

South Carolina started Saturday's game against Arkansas without their star running back Marcus Lattimore.

Lattimore went down in the second quarter of the Tennessee game two weeks ago with a significant knee injury that resulted in another shortened season for the Gamecocks running back. Lattimore underwent knee surgery in Birmingham, Alabama under the guidance of Dr. James Andrews to fix several torn ligaments.

The good news for Lattimore is he will not require any more surgery on his injured knee and has already started the rehabilitation process to return to the football field.

Earlier in the week, Steve Spurrier announced that Lattimore's name would be placed on the ramps at Williams-Brice to recognize him as the school's all-time rushing touchdown record holder. Spurrier also mentioned that Lattimore would likely attend.

Unfortunately for the Gamecock fans in attendance on Saturday, Lattimore didn't make the game. It was determined by the team doctors, and Lattimore, that it was in his best interest to skip today's game as he is recovering from surgery just a week ago.

That didn't mean he couldn't share his thanks with the Gamecock nation though.

Lattimore had a taped video message for the Gamecock fans in attendance for today's game. Here is what Lattimore had to say:



Lattimore's teammates listened and brought home the victory for the Gamecocks in a big way.

Also during the game, the South Carolina band spelled out "We love 21" with a heart representing the love in the phrase. It was a great gesture from the band and another show of love for South Carolina's running back.

It would have been a huge moment for Lattimore to be in attendance for Saturday's game, but it was still special to see the tributes, the video message and his name go up on the walls of Williams-Brice.

South Carolina truly loves their players and today was a perfect example.

It's great to be a Gamecock!