If you heard a huge sigh of relief emanating from the South Carolina area about a half hour ago and was wondering just what was up, now you’ll know why.
At a press conference held this evening at his local church, running back Marcus Lattimore announced that he was staying home and would attend South Carolina this fall.
“It’s the best fit for me,” Lattimore said. “That’s where my heart is.”
Lattimore, who is either the No. 1 or No. 2 back in the country depend on what recruiting service you’re viewing, had whittled his list of potential schools down to the Gamecocks and Auburn. During his announcement, Lattimore admitted that, at one point, he was leaning toward the Tigers.
“Auburn’s a great school,” Lattimore said. “It wasn’t right for me. I enjoyed myself every time I went there. This is no disrespect for Auburn. I love every coach down there.
“I really was leaning toward Auburn. It was a great opportunity to play early. They had a great offensive line and a great offense. They were telling me everything I wanted to hear so I really was leaning toward Auburn.”
Keeping Lattimore from bolting the state was a huge get for head coach Steve Spurrier and the entire football program as the back is expected to be able to come in and contribute immediately.
And, based on the last few years — the program is 35-28 overall and 18-22 in conference play under Spurrier — the Gamecocks can use all the help they can get.
I don’t understand, I was told he was an Auburn lock since birth.
ROLF… figures another tide fan is once again commenting on Auburn news…
It would have been nice to have him but the AU program put him second to Dyer (as they did Seastruck) and guys like that usually dont want to share the stage.
I can say that I think he’ll regret this decision in three years when he’s fallen off into “no-namesville”.
Spurrier and more importantly USCe just dont produce NFL caliber running backs.
But he will get to stay close to family…