College football notes

— SOUTH CAROLINA

Sources: Lattimore leaving

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Injured South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore will enter the NFL Draft, said people familiar with the decision.

One person said Monday that Lattimore is expected to announce his decision later this week. The people spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because there has not been an official statements regarding Lattimore’s decision.

The running back suffered a horrific injury to his right knee against Tennessee on Oct. 27. Doctors say Lattimore had successful surgery to repair several ligaments Nov. 2. It is unclear when he’ll be able to return to the field.

Lattimore injured his left knee in 2011 as a sophomore. He rushed for 662 yards and 11 touchdowns this season, both team highs. He is South Carolina’s career leader in both overall touchdowns with 41 and rushing scores with 38.

Lattimore had been South Carolina’s primary offensive force the past three seasons, starting from the time he stepped on campus as a freshman in 2010.

He missed the final six games of 2011 after tearing a knee ligament at Mississippi State. Lattimore had surgery on the left knee and plunged himself into rehab, returning for summer workouts with his teammates in early June.

Lattimore show few effects from the injury this season. He had three games with at least 100 yards rushing and appeared on the way to a fourth against the Vols when he was hurt again.

His left leg flopped to the turf and Lattimore struggled to contain his emotions in a silent Williams-Brice Stadium. Players from both teams surrounded Lattimore as doctors and trainers worked on the knee,praying and offering best wishes.

Lattimore ends his South Carolina career sixth in rushing with 2,677 yards and had 11 games with 100 yards or more. He also had 74 catches for 767 yards and 3 touchdowns in his career.

OHIO STATE

Hankins chooses draft

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The guy they call “Big Hank” is taking an early jump to the NFL.

All-Big Ten defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins announced Monday he will give up his senior season at Ohio State to make himself available for the 2013 NFL Draft.

“I will always be grateful for the family I have gained here at Ohio State,” Hankins said in a release issued through the school. “My three years have provided amazing experiences for me, and they are years I will never forget or take for granted.”

Hankins, who said he plans to return to finish his degree, appeared in 38 games the past three years and started every game the past two seasons. He was fourth on the team in tackles in 2011 with 67, including 11 for minus yardage. This past season he was fifth in tackles with 55, including four tackles for a loss.

“I have enjoyed coaching and getting to know Johnathan Hankins over the past year,” Ohio State Coach Urban Meyer said. “His hard work on and off the field has given him an opportunity to move on to the next level. The coaching staff and I wish him all the best.”

The 6-3, 322-pound Hankins ends his Buckeyes career with 138 tackles, including 16.5 tackles for a loss and 5 sacks.

The Buckeyes went 12-0 and won the Big Ten’s Leaders Division, but were barred from playing in a bowl game by violations committed under former coach Jim Tressel.

Sports, Pages 20 on 12/11/2012

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