Marucs Lattimore goes gown and cap at South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C., May 7 (UPI) -- He took hundreds of handoffs during his time at South Carolina, but none of Marcus Lattimore's 555 carries involved toting a diploma until Friday.

Lattimore, 24, earned his degree in Public Health.

After rushing to the top of the college football world when he suited up for the Gamecocks from 2010 to 2012, Lattimore suffered a gruesome knee injury resulting in his retirement in 2014. He had torn every ligament in his right knee and dislocated his kneecap. The man who was once heralded as college football's best back and on a fast track to a first round selection never played a down in the NFL.

But Lattimore isn't feeling sorry for himself. He is also joining the football staff at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School.

"First, I want to thank Jeff Whalen, his staff, and Heathwood Hall Episcopal School for welcoming me with open arms," Lattimore told the school's website. "This has been an easy process, and I'm excited to get to work with this team and this great staff. I was fortunate enough to play this game for 16 years, and have been around great coaches, who were teachers of the game. My philosophy is simple: Play with 100% effort on the field, and give 100% effort every day. I've always focused on the fundamentals, which will be my focus everyday working with our players, particularly our running backs. Together, we'll work to help our student-athletes improve both on and off the field."

Lattimore, who also created the Marcus Lattimore Foundation, will serve as the B-Team head coach and varsity offensive assistant.

Lattimore rushed for 2,677 yards and 38 touchdowns in three seasons for the Gamecocks. In 2010 he led the Southeastern Conference in yards from scrimmage with 1,609. He went on to be drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Lattimore signed a four-year, $2.46 million deal with a $300,584 signing bonus for his rookie contract. After two years of rehab, Lattimore reentered South Carolina in December. He also served as an ambassador for the football program.

Lattimore took out an insurance policy his junior year at South Carolina for between $10,000 and $15,000. He should be able to collect $1.7 million after retirement, according to ESPN.