During their SEC careers, Marcus Lattimore and Tim Tebow were two of the biggest stars in the conference.

Tebow cast a shadow over college football as Florida’s quarterback, while Lattimore was named National Freshman of the Year after a breakout season for the Gamecocks in 2010. Lattimore seemed destined to become the next great NFL running back to come out of the SEC, but severe knee injuries hampered his career.

Although Lattimore’s professional dreams were prematurely ended, he is still very much involved in the sport as the head coach at Heathwood Hall, a college prep school in Columbia, S.C.

Short stints in the NFL are something else Lattimore and Tebow have in common. As the former South Carolina running back continues down his new path, he looks to Tebow, who is playing minor league baseball in Columbia, for inspiration.

“The favor of the Lord is on his side,” Lattimore told Lou Bezjak of The State. He has been scrutinized his whole career about how he can’t throw, he can’t do this and he went first round in NFL. At birth, he wasn’t supposed to be born and then he is a Heisman Trophy winner.

“For him to display his faith is an inspiration to me. He is a symbol I can use to my team. I’m so glad he is in Columbia, proving all these people wrong who told him he can’t play baseball.”

Both men have been outspoken in their faith and their desire to share it with others. While Tebow remains one of the most well-known players in SEC history, Lattimore understands what it’s like to be in the spotlight.

He’s no longer in the brightest of lights, but Lattimore knows that his job as a football coach provides him with a new opportunity. In his quest to influence those around him, Lattimore has found a quality role model of his own.