Hard Work, Family Push Lattimore
9/16/2007 8:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 16, 2007
By Jill Wentzel and Chase Jones, Maryland Athletics Media Relations Staff
COLLEGE PARK, MD. - At Mount St. Joseph's High School in Baltimore, Keon Lattimore played every position on the football field - from wide receiver to defensive back. As he moved from position to position, running back caught his interest.
"I love running the ball," said Lattimore, now sharing duties as the starting running back at the University of Maryland. "I like the fact that I can be tossed the ball in the backfield and run, or go upfield and catch the ball."
With his family in the stands at Chevy Chase Bank Field at Byrd Stadium on opening weekend, he made the most of all his skills and varied offensive weapons. In the 31-14 victory over Villanova, Lattimore rushed 21 times for 106 yards to lead the Terps in rushing, while his three rushing touchdowns matched his totals each of the last two seasons. Lattimore also caught six passes for 33 yards, showing his versatility against the Wildcats.
"Keon had a great preseason camp and looks as good as he ever has at Maryland," head coach Ralph Friedgen said. "He worked hard in the offseason and looks faster."
His early success this season is the product of both hard work and strong support from his family.
After suffering a back injury last spring, Lattimore had to work extra hard over the summer to be ready for 2007, and he says he couldn't have done that without his family.
"My family and I are very close," says Lattimore. "I talk to them before and after every game."
Originally from Lakeland, Fla., Lattimore moved to Maryland to be close to his older brother, Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens.
"My brother is a valuable resource," Lattimore says. "He taught me to work hard for the things I want."
Lattimore is not only close to his brother, but his mother as well.
"My mom is a religious woman," he says. "She instilled in me the desire to do the right things. I read Ephesians Chapter 6 before every game."
A strong support structure and the will to put in the hard work required to succeed aren't the only attributes this senior brings to the Terps. Lattimore also likes to set the bar high for himself and his teammates with his goal for the team to "win the ACC," he says.
Lattimore has always been able to achieve at a high level.
After a stellar high school career that included multiple all-state and All-Metro selections, and a rating as one of the top 20 wide receivers in the nation by ESPN.com, Lattimore chose Maryland over numerous other ACC schools. After being a multiple-position player in high school, Lattimore knew he wanted to play running back when he came to Maryland.
Following one successful season at Hargrave Military Academy, Lattimore began his career at Maryland in 2004 as a reserve running back. Despite missing four games due to a shoulder injury, as a true freshman saw action in five games and averaged 2.1 yards per carry.
As a sophomore, Lattimore saw action in eight games and started two. He rushed 58 times for 181 yards and three touchdowns, including two in the Terrapins' victory over Virginia.
But last year, Lattimore and running mate Lance Ball emerged as one of the top running back duos in the nation.
In 2006, Lattimore played in all 13 games, starting two. He shared the backfield with Ball, but still carried the ball 160 times for 743 yards (4.6 per carry) with two 100-yard games, and three touchdowns. He also caught the ball 20 times for 210 yards and led the team with 73 all-purpose yards per game. In Maryland's 24-7 victory over Purdue in the Champs Sports Bowl, Lattimore did his part with 20 carries for 85 yards.
With this year off to a great start, Lattimore hopes to continue his success and maybe fulfill his dream of playing in the NFL. But for now, Lattimore has this year's version of Maryland football on his mind, hoping to use his many skills towards a stellar senior season.
