By Bill Kurelic, NN Recruiting Analyst

bkurelic@nittanynetwork.com

June 2, 2009

ESPNU 150 Watch List running back Marcus Lattimore has trimmed his list of over two dozen scholarship offers to eight schools and Penn State has made the cut.

“I have a list of eight schools,” Lattimore told Nittany Network.  “It’s down to Alabama, Penn State, Auburn, Florida State, Clemson, South Carolina, North Carolina and Maryland.”

When asked why Penn State is among the schools still standing, Lattimore said, “I just feel comfortable talking to the coaches.  I like the running backs coach (Galen Hall) and I like Larry Johnson.  Coach Bill Kenney is recruiting me.  I like him, too.”

The 6-foot and 215-pound Lattimore rushed for 2,320 yards during his junior season at Duncan (S.C.) Byrnes.  He averaged 7.6 yards per carry and scored 30 touchdowns.

Lattimore has never been to Penn State, but he has done his research.

“They run the football and they like big backs,” Lattimore said.  “I’m just so excited to get up there and visit.  I’ll be going up there June 26-27.  Penn State, Maryland and Alabama are the three schools on my list that I haven’t visited.” 

Lattimore said he is also going to visit North Carolina and South Carolina sometime this month.  However, he has no plans to select a college during the summer.

“I’m going to take my five official visits,” Lattimore said.  “I haven’t set any up yet, but I kind of have an idea.  I’m going to take two during the season and three after it.  I’ll probably take one of them to Maryland because I won’t get up there for a game.”

When asked which school sits at the top of his list, Lattimore said, “I don’t have a favorite. Just those eight.”