Former USC star using football to impact youths beyond the gridiron

Certainly, the game of football has proven rather kind to Marcus Lattimore.

Playing for one of the Palmetto State’s most storied high school football programs at Byrnes, he led the Rebels to a pair of state titles. During that time, he also became one of the nation’s most sought after talents, branded “a can’t-miss prospect” by a number of recruiting services.

Given the opportunity to go anywhere in the country, Lattimore chose to stay at home to attend the University of South Carolina. The decision paid dividends for both him and the school, the running back scoring more touchdowns than anyone in the history of Williams-Brice Stadium and leading the Gamecocks’ football program to heights it has never been.

But for all the recognition and accolades accomplished on the gridiron, the roar of 90,000 fans pales in comparison to the simple notion of a child finding their purpose in life.

Having retired from the game he loved following a severe leg injury, Lattimore’s life is now spent pouring into the lives of young people. This Saturday, the former South Carolina football standout will be in town to encourage local youths through the First Choice Fit Marcus Lattimore youth football camp.

Beginning at 8 a.m., the camp will take place at Carolina Forest High School. Eligible to children ages 5-17, activities will include a health fair, health screenings and, of course, football drills.

“My parents always taught me that it was not about me. I did not realize that until I got to college,” Lattimore said. “I thought it was all about football. ... I have scored more touchdowns than anyone in history at Williams-Brice Stadium, and that is a great feeling; I got my named called on national television in the NFL Draft and that is a great feeling; I got recruited by just about every college in the country, and that is a great feeling.

“But none of that compares to changing someone’s life by your actions and words of encouragement. That is worth more than any accolades I could ever hold in the game of football.”

Studying public health during his time at South Carolina, Lattimore said it was natural for him to use his influence as a means to stress healthy life choices to the next generation of South Carolinians. Just as important, however, is the opportunity to passing along similar tokens of motivation that were pivotal during his upbringing.

“I had great teachers, coaches and parents that taught me what was important in life and how I was more than just an athlete," Lattimore said. “...One of my focal points is to get kids actives moving and doing exercises that they can take home with them to do on their own time.

“My concept in all of my camps is to teach discipline through fundamentals and functional movements. ... These campers will leave the camp understanding how important the little things are and not so much how to be the fastest or best player. They just need to understand the philosophy behind team work. When everyone does their part, everyone wins.”

Among those who Lattimore credits with playing a big role in his development — as a football player and a man, for that matter — is his stepfather Vernon Smith, whose company The Xtra Inch helps put on the camps statewide.

Possessing a similar passion that running through his stepson’s veins, Smith stresses that involvement in camps is meant to enhance children beyond athletics, but also life in general.

“Discipline now or disappointment later! They can never walk into whatever future God has in store for any of them if they have no discipline,” he said. “My desire for the future of South Carolina is to change the culture and mindset of athletics in this state and build up young men and young women with the values and experiences I learned in order to make this state a beacon for talented productive young citizens.

“I want companies to say ‘we love hiring South Carolina kids,’ want colleges to say ‘we love recruiting those South Carolina kids. It is just something about them that sets them apart from the rest of the country.’”

Those seeking to register for the camp can do so by visiting www.marcuslattimore.com/camps. There is a $40 registration fee.

Participants are encouraged to bring shirt, shorts and cleats. Lunch will be served.

This story was originally published August 11, 2016 at 4:40 PM with the headline "Former USC star using football to impact youths beyond the gridiron."