Marcus Lattimore headed into 2011 as a viable Heisman Trophy candidate, but suffered a serious knee injury midway through the season.
Philadelphia, PA (Ken O'Brien Sports) -
Quality at the running back position at the FBS level could mean the difference between simple bowl eligibility and BCS consideration.
Programs across the nation are looking for a rusher who can either electrify in the open field, continue to move the chains and chew up the clock, or punch it into the end zone around the goal line. Very few teams will find all those qualities in a single back and while these featured tailbacks bring different talents to the table, they are all expected to be "difference-makers" for their respective teams in 2012:
MARCUS LATTIMORE: After a truly remarkable freshman season that saw him earn All-American and All-SEC honors, as well as being tabbed the National Freshman of the Year, the 6-foot, 220-pounder hopes to build on a year and a half of superb work. This South Carolina Gamecock headed into 2011 as a viable Heisman Trophy candidate, but suffered a serious knee injury midway through the season, after racking up 818 yards and 10 TDs. Although he missed the spring, Lattimore is on pace to return to the field in the fall. A complete player, he has the ability to make plays as a workhorse back, or as a receiving threat coming out of the backfield. If he returns to form early enough in 2012, South Carolina may just find itself with a real shot at the SEC crown.
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