MarShawn Lloyd, a dynamic running back, who began his in the SEC, where he showed flashes of his immense potential is a name to know among NFL circles. It didn’t stop in the SEC, however, as Lloyd’s college journey is a testament to the new transfer portal era in college football.
Where Did MarShawn Lloyd Go to College?
Lloyd was a consensus four-star recruit, a highly-touted running back from DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland. Considered one of the top running backs in the country for the class of 2020, Lloyd’s combination of speed, vision, and power made him a sought-after prospect.
He ultimately committed to the University of South Carolina, choosing the Gamecocks over several other prominent programs. Lloyd’s decision to join South Carolina brought high expectations, as he was seen as a potential game-changer for the program.
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Unfortunately, Lloyd’s highly anticipated freshman season at South Carolina in 2020 was derailed before it even began. In fall camp, Lloyd suffered a torn ACL, sidelining him for the entirety of the 2020 season.
This was a major setback for the Gamecocks, who were hoping to build their offense around the talented running back. While Lloyd’s injury was a disappointment, he remained a vocal leader and presence on the team while focusing on his rehabilitation.
Despite the setback, Lloyd remained committed to his recovery and the program, aiming to make an impactful return in the 2021 season. His resilience during this time demonstrated his strong work ethic and determination to overcome adversity.
After a year of rehabilitation, Lloyd returned to the field in 2021 with high hopes of finally showcasing his talent. While he did not immediately assume the role of a feature back, he played an important part in South Carolina’s offense, sharing duties in the backfield.
Lloyd finished the 2021 season with 64 carries for 228 yards and one touchdown, averaging 3.6 yards per carry. Although his numbers were modest, they reflected a solid return to action following a serious injury.
His third year at South Carolina, however, was his breakout season, and he finally lived up to the expectations that surrounded him when he first arrived on campus. He became the Gamecocks’ leading rusher, totaling 573 rushing yards on 111 carries and scoring nine touchdowns in the first eight games of the season. He was a key playmaker, helping South Carolina maintain a balanced offensive attack.
Notably, Lloyd displayed his ability to perform in critical moments, such as his standout performances against Kentucky and Texas A&M, where he demonstrated his vision, burst, and toughness, breaking tackles and making defenders miss. His combination of power and agility made him difficult to bring down, earning him recognition as one of the top backs in the SEC.
Unfortunately, Lloyd suffered a thigh injury later in the season that limited his production, and South Carolina had to rely more on its passing game toward the end of the year. Despite the injury, Lloyd’s 2022 campaign was a testament to his resilience and talent.
Following the season, Lloyd entered the transfer portal, seeking a new opportunity to develop his career further. He eventually committed to USC under head coach Lincoln Riley. Lloyd joined a USC team with national championship aspirations and a dynamic offense led by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Caleb Williams.
Lloyd played 11 games and had an impressive season with the Trojans after entering with high expectations.
He rushed for 820 yards on 116 carries, averaging 7.1 yards per carry, and scored nine touchdowns. Additionally, Lloyd contributed in the passing game, recording 13 receptions for 232 yards, with an average of 17.8 yards per catch.
His all-purpose yardage for the season totaled 1,052 yards, showcasing his versatility and impact on the offense and he was honored as an Honorable Mention All-Pac-12 Team by us here at College Football Network.
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Lloyd’s perseverance and dedication to his craft saw him eventually be selected in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. Though his third-round draft selection stunned many, his talents when he’s healthy and on the field have never been in question.
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