Auburn’s recruiting class took a step forward on Monday with the commitment of Greenville’s Kenneth Carter.

Carter, a highly recruited defensive lineman, made the announcement in front of family, coaches and media at a press conference Monday afternoon.

“I grew up a Tiger, and I plan to be a Tiger,” he said.

Carter said he wanted to play football in the SEC, and one of the biggest factors in his decision was Auburn coach Tracy Rocker.

Rocker also played on the defensive line at Auburn and won the Outland Trophy and the Lombardi Award.

“The coaching staff is tremendous,” Carter said. “Rocker is a real good coach.”

While the Auburn coaching staff has undergone some drastic changes in the last year, Carter said that wasn’t really a factor.

“Tuberville was a good coach, and I also think Chizik is a good head coach,” he said.

Carter, whose nickname is Big C, weighs in at 6’5” and 270 pounds.

He also benches 300 pounds and has a 4.84 second forty-yard dash time.

Besides Auburn, Carter was also recruited by Alabama, LSU and Ole Miss, among others.

“When you turn the lights on, he’s ready to play,” said Greenville head coach Ben Blackmon. “He’s one of those kids. He goes to work, and he works hard. He absolutely loves football.”

Blackmon said that the sky is limit for Carter.

“He’s got all the potential to play on Sunday,” he said.

Blackmon also said that Carter is focusing on his academics.

“He’s starting to see how important grades are,” Blackmon said. “I’m pretty confident that he’ll qualify.”

Carter did some summer school work for credit recovery to raise his GPA, and he’s also planning to take the ACT again.

“I know that I’ve got to pass my classes and try to make A’s and B’s,” he said.

Another big part of announcement day for Carter was family.

He made the commitment surrounded by his mom, grandmother, brother, uncle and cousins.

“Most everyone in my family is an Auburn fan, but even the Bama fans are alright with it,” Carter said. “Now I’m going to try to be the best Tiger I can be.”