Lattimore to enter NFL draft

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COLUMBIA, S.C., Dec. 12 (UPI) -- South Carolina junior running back Marcus Lattimore said Wednesday he would enter the NFL draft next spring.

Lattimore suffered a severe knee injury on Oct. 27 during a Gamecocks' victory over Tennessee and he eventually underwent surgery to repair ligament damage.

Even though Lattimore missed the final three games of the regular season, he still led South Carolina in rushing with 662 yards and 11 touchdowns.

His sophomore season was limited to seven games due to another knee injury, that setback coming after he had been named the Southeastern Conference's freshman of the year in 2010.

Despite his shortened college career, Lattimore will leave South Carolina with a school record 41 touchdowns.

In another draft-related announcement Wednesday, Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron said he would remain with the Crimson Tide for his senior season.

McCarron will go into the national championship game against Notre Dame as the nation's leader in passing efficiency. He has thrown for 26 touchdowns with only three interceptions.