Will Marcus Lattimore Finish As South Carolina Gamecocks' Best RB Ever?

Marcus Lattimore has proven his worth already for the South Carolina Gamecocks.

In only five games, Lattimore has garnered Heisman hype and has led the Gamecocks to a 4-1 record with a signature win against then-No. 1 Alabama.

Currently, he has 459 yards and eight touchdowns. His touchdown total is tied for fourth in the country, albeit with many who have eight.

At this current rate, his total stat projection is very good and would rank as one of the best single-season Gamecock running campaigns.

If he remains steady, his end of the year line may look something like this: 1,196 yards, 21 touchdowns and plenty of offseason accolades. The yardage may be higher if he has big games against some of the weaker teams (Tennessee, Troy, Vanderbilt and Clemson).

If that occurs, he would already be eighth on the Gamecocks' all-time touchdowns list.

South Carolina hasn't really been "Running Back U." Where will Lattimore end up on the all-time list?

5. Cory Boyd (2003-2007)

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

CHAPEL HILL, NC - OCTOBER 13: Cory Boyd #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks carries the ball during the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Kenan Stadium October 13, 2007 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) Use

This is a partial pick...many other backs deserve recognition at No. 5.

Duce Staley, Andrew Pinnock, Mike Davis, Steve Wadiak, Jay Lynn Hodgin and Johnnie Wright all come to mind here as excellent players...but Boyd is one of MY personal favorites.

Cory Boyd was special. He is sixth all-time in touchdowns for the Gamecocks with 23 and 10th on the all-time rushing list.

Stats

464 carries for 2,267 yards (4.9 yards per carry) with 23 touchdowns

4. Thomas Dendy (1982-1985)

Thomas Dendy was an interesting running back for the Gamecocks. He is fifth on the list of all-time rushers with 2,767. His average was 5.6 yards per carry...highest among the career leaders.

He only scored 18 touchdowns, though.

Stats

494 carries for 2,767 yards (5.6 per carry) with 18 touchdowns

3. Brandon Bennett (1991-1994)

Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images

15 Oct 2000: Brandon Bennett #36 of the Cincinnati Bengals carries the ball up the field during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvaina. The Steelers defeated the Bengals 15-0.Mandatory Credit: Tom Pi

No. 3 on my list was a tough one, because Brandon Bennett and my No. 2 were very close...

Bennett was a fan favorite in the early '90s, and it is easy to see why. South Carolina fed him like a hungry animal. He is third on the all-time touchdowns list for South Carolina and also second in yards.

Stats

681 carries for 3,055 yards (4.5 per carry) and 27 touchdowns

2. Harold Green (1986-1989)

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

10 Oct 1993: Running back Harold Green of the Cincinnati Bengals runs with the ball during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs won the game, 17-15. Mandatory Credit: Otto Greule Jr. /Allsport

Harold Green was a monster for South Carolina. He is currently tied at the top of the list in touchdowns with 31 and third in yards with 3,005.

He also had a productive NFL career, making a Pro Bowl for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Stats

702 carries for 3,055 yards (4.3 yards per carry) and 31 touchdowns

1. George Rogers (1977-1980)

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 08: Former NFL player and Heisman Trophy winner George Rogers arrives at the Jeff Gordon Foundation Poker Classic at Caesars Palace Marsh 8, 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The foundation benefits several charities dedicated to helping c

Heisman winner George Rogers was not only one of the best backs South Carolina ever had, but one of the best running backs in college football history as well. He is first on all of Carolina's rushing lists.

A first-round draft pick of the Saints, George had a productive career until an injury sidelined him. He is currently an active member of the Gamecock community, signing autographs and coming to every game with his Heisman for people to see and touch.

Stats

954 carries for 5,204 yards (5.5 yards per carry) with 31 touchdowns

Where Will Marcus Stack Up?

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 25: Marcus Lattimore #21 of the South Carolina Gamecocks against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

At his current rate, he has the chance to move right on up the rankings. If he stays for three years, his stat line (at the current pace) would end up something like this:

3,588 yards with 63 touchdowns.

That already obliterates every touchdown record imaginable for South Carolina.

If the man stays for four years, then look out...

4,784 yards with 84 touchdowns.

Wow...that doesn't even include the fact that he will get better over time.

Either way, at this pace...he will either be the best running back Carolina has ever had or at worst the second best.