Marcus Lattimore is close to realizing a dream few thought was possible.
The former South Carolina running back, who endured one of the most gruesome in-game injuries we've ever seen on a football field back in 2012, will hit the practice field as an active participant for the first time in his career once the San Francisco 49ers return from the bye week.
"As you know, it's been a long road," Lattimore said, via CSN Bay Area.
The fourth-round pick was sidelined for all of last season and for the first three months of the 2014 season. The team fully expected a lengthy rehab process when they chose him, but the Niners hoped he could come back and resemble the dynamic running back he was at South Carolina.
Lattimore is down five pounds from his days as a Gamecock and says he feels quicker than ever. He'll remain at the team's facility in Santa Clara throughout the bye week to get ready for his debut.
"I want to put together consistently good days of practice so they trust me to go out there and play. That's the biggest thing," he said.
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