South Carolina's Lattimore has successful knee surgery

Columbia, SC – South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore underwent successful surgery to repair a damaged right knee.

The school made the announcement on Thursday, saying the unlucky Lattimore had the procedure six days ago in Alabama under the supervision of South Carolina team physician Dr. Jeffrey Guy, Dr. Lyle Cain and team consultant and noted surgeon Dr. James Andrews.

According to Dr. Guy, there is no need for further surgery. The 21-year-old South Carolina native returned to Columbia over the weekend and was later released from a local hospital to begin rehabilitation.

Lattimore suffered a hyperextended right knee during a 38-35 victory over Tennessee on Oct. 27, one which resulted in injury to several ligaments.

It was the second straight premature end to a campaign for the fleet back, whose 2011 season was cut short after he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

The junior running back was the Gamecocks' leading rusher this season, gaining 662 yards on 143 carries to go along with a team-leading 11 touchdowns.

For his career, Lattimore has rushed 555 times for 2,677 yards with 41 total touchdowns, including 38 rushing touchdowns, both school records.