AUBURN, Ala. — Marcus Lattimore is staying close to home.

The five-star running back from Duncan, S.C., announced his intentions to sign with in-state South Carolina instead of Auburn at a ceremony at his church in Spartanburg, S.C., Tuesday evening.

The ceremony had a twist. Former Auburn running back Stephen Davis, a Spartanburg High product, gave Lattimore a bag just before he announced his decision. Lattimore took out an Auburn hat, but underneath it was a South Carolina one. He put that one on as the crowd in the church cheered.

"That was the best fit for me," Lattimore said. "That's where my heart is."

The 6-foot, 210-pound Byrnes High standout is ranked by Rivals as the No. 1-ranked running back the 10th overall recruit nationally.

"I feel like I just lost 50 pounds, I swear," he said after making his announcement.

Lattimore narrowed a list of 30 offers down to South Carolina and Auburn.

Tigers head coach Gene Chizik and a few assistants made one final push for Lattimore late last week, paying the recruit an in-home visit. South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier did the same.

"He did the Cha-Cha Slide with my mama," Lattimore said.

Lattimore is the only running back in the Gamecocks' recruiting class. Auburn still has ESPN's No. 1 overall running back, Michael Dyer, in its class.

Recruits officially fax in their letters of intent on National Signing Day tomorrow.