Marcus Lattimore’s career was over at 23, but that’s just the beginning for him

Perseverance. Former South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore has endured so much already at just 23 years old. He’s had major injuries to each knee, including one that very nearly cost him his leg. His attempt at an NFL career never got off the ground, but the fact that he even was able to attempt it is amazing.

The latest in SB Nation’s longform series focuses on the road Lattimore has taken to where he is now: Happy, healthy and working with youth football back home in South Carolina. Set aside some time if you haven’t already and give this a read, you will not regret it.

Lockdown. What does it take to be the best secondary in the nation? We’ve broken it down into five factors, and pinpointed five teams that have what it takes to be called the nation’s best this year. Some candidates may surprise you.

Like, numbers and stuff? Nebraska has added a Director of Sports Analytics and Data Analysis, who will work with every team to help enhance performance. Baseball has long been the sport most linked to deep statistical analysis, but football and a host of other sports have had quite a bit of study devoted to them as well. It will be interesting to see if other programs follow suit in the next few years.

If you’re interested in analytics in football, check out our own Football Study Hall.

High praise. Texas commit Shane Buechele is leading the Elite 11 standings after Wednesday, and is earning some real praise from Trent Dilfer in the process.

For all the news coming out of Beaverton at The Opening this week, check out our Opening hub.

Boomer? Oklahoma could be good this year. They probably should be good this year. But they’re a tough team to read right now, according to Bill Connelly.

The moves make sense on paper, but the amount of change could certainly backfire; the staff could struggle to gel, the defense could regress and the offense could find it doesn’t quite have the right air raid personnel. But OU isn’t standing still. The Sooners now return three quarterbacks with Big 12 experience, one of the best running backs in the country, one of the best wideouts in the country and most of a speedy defense. The new coaching staff could press just enough new buttons to make OU an immediate Big 12 contender, or, instead of slowly crumbling, Bob Stoops’ house could fall down around him quickly. If forced to make a prediction, I lean former.

Crootin’!