Wedding day instead of game day: Marcus Lattimore is ready

He’ll prepare just like he always has.

Around 3:20 p.m. Saturday, Marcus Lattimore will tighten his shoelaces, straighten his shoulders and breathe deeply. There won’t be a helmet to fasten or gloves to don, but he’ll still be wearing a uniform of sorts.

“We did think about garnet and black,” he said. “Instead, we’re doing some gray and blush. It’s time to get it done. Honestly, we should have done it after the day we were engaged.”

Lattimore will wed his high-school sweetheart, Miranda Bailey, in Columbia. The two were engaged in April and the months since have been a whirlwind – he’s been finishing school and accepting a job under new South Carolina football coach Will Muschamp; she’s been working in real estate and prepping for her return to school.

He’s done what most prospective grooms have done – nodded and tried to follow directions. They’re both excited about the big day, and relieved.

“We’re both ready to get it over with,” he said. “Everywhere we go, it’s, ‘Are you ready? What colors do you have? What color tie are you wearing? What color is your bouquet?’ Just a thousand questions.”

The two chose Columbia instead of Duncan, where they met, or Charleston and will enjoy Christmas in Antigua and Barbuda. “This town of Columbia has done so much for me, for us together,” Lattimore said. “It just wouldn’t be right if we celebrated anywhere else. This is home.”

After the honeymoon, Lattimore will continue his role as a South Carolina ambassador and graduate in May, while Bailey will enroll at USC in August. He’ll be serving his new role under Muschamp by then – he doesn’t have an official title, but a “life coach” sums it – and might bring her by from time to time.

“I may have to get her in the recruiting office in some capacity,” he mused. “She can pitch, now. If there’s one thing she can do, she can pitch to some recruits.”

It’s the next step toward a life that Lattimore always knew he would enjoy, but after an expected long career in professional football. He’s perfectly fine that the road was considerably shortened, since he’ll be able to enjoy many things a pro athlete doesn’t.

“When I got injured, it literally opened up a whole world for me. I see the beauty and things I’ve never seen,” Lattimore said. “Family is always going to be No. 1 in any decision I make. We plan on having kids, on doing things with the family combined. It’s definitely the step I need to take.”

Saturday, he might feel a few butterflies and have to watch his step as he approaches the altar. But he’ll get there and come through, just like every Saturday.

Lattimore always was at his best in big games.

This story was originally published December 18, 2015 at 9:41 PM with the headline "Wedding day instead of game day: Marcus Lattimore is ready."