The busy news day in South Carolina continued on Friday as head coach Will Muschamp met with the local media following the announcement of his new contract extension and raise for not only himself but his coaching staff.

The program held a press conference on campus which was attended by Muschamp and his new assistant Marcus Lattimore.

Here’s a summary of several topics touched upon by the face of the Gamecock program.

Will Muschamp:

  • Announces promotion of Kyle Krantz as the 10th assistant, he will be special teams assistant: He’s been with me for five seasons now.
  • Welcomes back Marcus Lattimore as director of player personnel development: This is a win for us, it’s a win for the state of South Carolina. He could have gone anywhere but he chose to work here. He loves South Carolina, he loves this state.
  • Could Lattimore work his way on the field as an assistant? Sure. He’s 26 years old, he’s got a lot of living to do.
  • How important was it to get an extension? Anytime you get the support it’s great and necessary to get this program to where we want it.
  • What does Marcus bring to the program that was missing? Anytime you can positively affect your student-athletes, he’s walked where they’ve walked. I can talk about it but he’s lived it. He’s had success, he’s had adversity. You can’t quantify that.
  • Thoughts on proposed new redshirt rule, do you favor it? (the rule would allow players to play in any four games but keep their redshirts): Absolutely, I think that’s fair. I don’t think you really know when they are ready. I think to be able to pull a player back and give them some experience. All young men are motivated to play and that would help keep them focused (during redshirt seasons).

Marcus Lattimore:

  • I’m so excited to be back, I really am. I know what the players go through. I know what going to a 6 am workout, go to class, go to study, come back for film or practice. I know what that’s like. I’m looking to set up their life after football. I’m looking at the next 40 years of their life.
  • What change occurred that let you get this job after the NCAA prevented it in the past? We’ve been able to work it out. I’m able to keep my foundation going, that’s something I want to pass on to my future son or future daughter. It’s fully compliant with the NCAA.