Howard Bryant discusses the retirement of once-promising RB Marcus Lattimore, whose career was derailed by devastating knee injuries while playing for South Carolina in college. (1:00)

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier says retiring San Francisco 49ers running back Marcus Lattimore has a place at the university.

Lattimore announced his decision to retire from the NFL on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old Lattimore suffered two major knee injuries with the Gamecocks. He was drafted by the 49ers in 2013 and sat out last season. He hasn't played this year.

Spurrier says either he, athletic director Ray Tanner or university president Harris Pastides could find a position for Lattimore after football. The coach says Lattimore was among South Carolina's most popular and well-respected players ever.

Lattimore, who majored in public health, has not graduated. In his retirement announcement last week, he said will return to South Carolina to complete his degree.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.