SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- Marcus Lattimore is known for his moves on the football field, so a little trickery isn't hard for him at all. On Tuesday, he made another big move with the shuffle of a Carolina and Auburn cap. He announced he would play college football at the University of South Carolina.

"I just had to do what was in my heart," Lattimore said.

At Byrnes High School, Lattimore rushed for nearly 1,900 yards and he rushed for 31 touchdowns his senior year. He also caught five touchdowns and gained more than 750 yards receiving.

Lattimore's brother, Octavius Love, said the family is excited that his brother decided to stay in the state.

"He has these people over here that he likes, Auburn, and he has these people over here that he likes, South Carolina," Love said. "He didn't really want to let either side down because you make friends each way, but he did what was best for him."

Hundreds packed Silver Hill Memorial United Methodist Church in Spartanburg for the announcement. Several Gamecock fans wore their garnet and black and cheered when he made the announcement.

"I think he's the piece of the puzzle we've been missing," said Daniel Chapman, a Gamecock fan. "We've already got great receivers and a good defense and were just missing that break-out running back."

A couple of Auburn University fans showed up, too. So, before the announcement, no one knew exactly which school Lattimore would choose.

"When I saw Stephen Davis, I didn't know what to think because he was a running back for Auburn," said Bobby Bessinger, a Carolina fan.

Davis, the former Spartanburg High School football star and former running back with the Carolina Panthers, walked out with Lattimore and handed him a bag with two baseball caps inside. But, Davis was there to show his support for Lattimore even though he didn't choose to go to Auburn.

"With a lot of determination and growth, I think the sky's the limit for him," Davis said.

Lattimore made his announcement a day before National Signing Day, when most high school sports standouts announce where they will play college sports.