USC Monday officially announced that former star quarterback Connor Shaw will be replacing former star running back Marcus Lattimore as the Gamecocks’ Director of Player Development. Shaw will be at a press conference Wednesday morning along with head coach Will Muschamp. Lattimore announced earlier this month his plans to leave the position he has held for the last two years. In its release, the university said Lattimore was leaving to “devote more time to personal and professional opportunities.”

From the USC release

“When Marcus and I talked before he was hired, he told me about the long-range plans he had for his personal and professional goals,” said Coach Muschamp. “I knew one day Marcus would consider leaving his current role and I always had Connor Shaw in my mind as someone who could fill that position.”

As Director of Player Development, Shaw will work with the student-athletes and the “Beyond Football” program, focusing on career development, mental health, financial literacy and life skills.

“I am excited to be back at a program that I love.” said Shaw. “As an alumnus and someone who wore the Garnet and Black with pride, ‘Forever to Thee’ is a part of who I am so I’m grateful to contribute in making Gamecock Football the best it can be for our student-athletes.”

Shaw came to South Carolina after a stellar career at Flowery Branch (Ga.) High School, playing for his father, Lee Shaw. As the Gamecock starting quarterback, Shaw led Carolina to a 27-5 record, including a 17-0 record at Williams-Brice Stadium. In his four-year career, Shaw completed 480-of-733 passes (65.5 percent) for 6,074 yards with 56 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,683 yards and 17 scores.

“I am confident that Connor will do a great job for our student-athletes and the entire football program,” said Coach Muschamp. “He’s smart, a winner, cares about developing young people and loves Carolina. No doubt, he’ll be a tremendous asset for our program.”

The transition from Lattimore to Shaw is similar to the handoffs that the Duncan, S.C. native took from Shaw during both their Gamecock playing careers, leading to 31 wins and an SEC Eastern Division title.

“I appreciate the opportunity Coach Muschamp gave me to come back to my University and mentor our football players,” said Lattimore. “Our athletics administration, football staff and players made me feel welcome and appreciated. We have something building at South Carolina and I look forward to following the successes that they will soon reach.”

Shaw and his wife, Molly, have two children, Decker and Mila.