Lattimore carted off field after injury against Tennessee

COLUMBIA, S.C.(WALA) - South Carolina captain and star running back Marcus Lattimore suffered a gruesome injury that could be season, or career, ending.

Just before halftime, Lattimore was tackled from behind, after a 2-yard pickup, by Tennessee linebacker Herman Lathers, while defensive back Eric Gordon tackled him low.

Lattimore’s body whipped around and his right knee plunged into the turf in what looked like a severe knee injury or leg dislocation. Surrounded by Tennessee players and teammates, Lattimore laid on the ground for several minutes until he was finally carted off with a towel over his head, covering his eyes.

“It looked severe on the field,” South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier said during a halftime interview. “Hopefully it’s not as severe as we thought, but we’ll have to wait and see.”

Lattimore was taken to the hospital for a thorough evaluation.

Lattimore was severely injured last season and missed the last six games because of ligament and cartilage damage to his right knee. That injury came after Lattimore blocked for Bruce Ellington and a Mississippi State defender tackled low into his left leg.

The season ending injury forced Lattimore into a lengthy rehabilitation period but, after much determination, the stellar running back was back on top of his game.

Comparable to last season, this year the South Carolina Gamecocks have relied heavily on Lattimore’s rushing attack. Despite last year’s season ending injury, Lattimore was named one of the SEC’s best running backs and was a likely NFL first-round draft pick, but Lattimore decided to remain in school.

A brutal, season-ending leg injury, a bruised hip (that plagued Lattimore during 2012s LSU and Florida games) later and now this potentially season-ending injury mean Lattimore’s future as a college football player and chances of playing in the National Football League may be at stake.

17th ranked South Carolina defeated Tennessee 38-35. Lattimore currently holds records at South Carolina for number of overall touchdowns (41), and rushing touchdowns (38).

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