Shaw replacing Lattimore on USC coaching staff
COLUMBIA (AP) - One South Carolina football great has been hired to replace another USC great.
Marcus Lattimore, a standout running back for the Gamecocks, is leaving his position as South Carolina football's director of player development after two years on the job. He will be replaced by his former teammate and the winningest quarterback in school history, Connor Shaw.
"I am excited to be back at a program that I love." said Shaw, who was 27-5 as a starter with Carolina. "As an alumnus and someone who wore the Garnet and Black with pride, 'Forever to Thee' is a part of who I am so I'm grateful to contribute in making Gamecock Football the best it can be for our student-athletes."
Gamecocks head coach Will Muschamp had hoped to hire Lattimore as an on-field assistant two years ago. However, the NCAA derailed that move because Lattimore's foundation works with young people who might turn out to be college prospects for South Carolina.
"I appreciate the opportunity Coach Muschamp gave me to come back to my university and mentor our football players," said Lattimore. "Our athletics administration, football staff and players made me feel welcome and appreciated. We have something building at South Carolina, and I look forward to following the successes that they will soon reach."
Lattimore, 28, plans to continue his work with the foundation.
Lattimore is the Gamecocks' former record-setting running back who led the team to its only Southeastern Conference Eastern Division title as a freshman in 2010 and was considered a can't-miss NFL prospect.
However, Lattimore had significant knee injuries in his sophomore and junior seasons and he was not able to recover enough to play in the pros.