Published August 22, 2012 - 8:25am
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SDS is going to be looking at all 14 teams’ comeback players: one on offense and one on defense. These players were either injured or had an underachieving season in 2011 and looking to get back on track.
South Carolina
Offense: RB Marcus Lattimore
By all indications, Marcus Lattimore is returning to 2012 healthy from a season-ending knee injury he suffered in the middle of last season. Lattimore is perhaps the top running back in the country, but he’ll go head-to-head with Arkansas’ Knile Davis this season. Lattimore has been the workhorse throughout his career, totaling 412 carries. That’s a career for most guys, but for Lattimore, it’s only a year and a half. Steve Spurrier has changed his overall game plan because he’s so dynamic in the running game. There’s nothing flashy about his game; it’s just hit-you-in-the-mouth physical. Not only will his rushing and leadership help this club, but he’ll also be a good outlet and potent weapon in the receiving game for Connor Shaw. Lattimore totals 2,015 yards rushing and 27 touchdowns on the ground. Hopefully for everyone’s sake, he returns healthy this season.
Defense: SPUR DeVonte Holloman
DeVonte Holloman plays the oh-so important SPUR position for the Gamecocks’ defense. The SPUR is a defensive back-linebacker hybrid that was played very effectively last year by Antonio Allen, who is now playing on Sundays. Holloman entered South Carolina as a high-profile recruit from Rock Hill as a linebacker who could play either in the secondary or close to the line of scrimmage. Holloman played pretty well last year, but with the announcement of Akeem Auguste’s injury, it makes Holloman’s leadership and impact that much greater on defense. Look for Holloman to turn it up a notch this season in Columbia.
