South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore was given a standing ovation by all 32 NFL teams at his pro day in March. He participated in the workout less than six months after surgery a torn anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament and lateral collateral ligament.
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Lattimore was considered one of the nation's top running backs before the injury that included a dislocated kneecap.
Despite Lattimore's pro day performance, plenty of skepticism about Lattimore's recovery remains leading up to the 2013 NFL Draft.
"I've had trainers tell me he's so far away," one scout told Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Bob McGinn on Saturday. "One told me he's not going to make it back ever. Others say he'll get back to a certain level. It's a tough repair and a tough rehab."
Lattimore showed his resolve in a return from a left ACL tear suffered in 2011, but the right knee injury was devastating. He was first-team All-SEC as a freshman after rushing for 1,197 yards and 17 touchdowns. That was Lattimore's lone healthy season in college.
"He wasn't a real talent or anything," another scout told McGinn. "He's a 4.7 (40-yard dash). He was good because he's smart, understands the (game) and is a great kid. He would have found a way to make yards in the league."
A third scout was the most optimistic, saying, "I think the world of the kid. It will all come down to the doctors."
It's almost impossible to predict when Lattimore will come off the board. The injury would be a serious concern for any player, but at running back, it becomes magnified.
Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.
