What Mammoth 4-Star OL Tyler Carr's Commitment Means for Auburn

Tyler Carr committed to Auburn on Tuesday morning, capping off the latest battle in a continuous turf war between the Tigers and Alabama. The 4-star offensive lineman narrowed his options down to the pair of SEC powerhouses in advance of the announcement:

Carr, a rising senior at Southside High School in Gadsden, Alabama, emerged as a top target for both in-state programs early in the recruiting process. Auburn offered a scholarship last June, while the Crimson Tide extended one in September.

The 6'5", 311-pound prospect collected an expansive list of collegiate choices during the course of his recruitment. Miami, Georgia, Penn State and Florida are just a few of the teams who came up short in their pursuit of the powerful blocker.

Carr commands respect in the run game as a road grader who can clear out rushing lanes in a hurry. His size and strength is apparent, but short-area quickness sets him apart from massive linemen who struggle with coordination.

Auburn gains an athletically-gifted force who physically mauls opponents, but doesn't solely rely on raw power. Carr is precise with his first punch off the snap, swiftly gaining leverage against his defender.

He uses a formidable base to burst through with his lower body while directing traffic and clearing holes. Carr also demonstrates an understanding of when it's time to disengage and get to the second level as a play develops downfield.

Simply put, he's the guy you want to run behind on 4th-and-inches.

Carr, who lined up at left tackle last season, is an explosive downhill blocker but may be best suited for a career at guard in college. He doesn't appear to possess the lateral agility to handle speedy pass-rushers off the edge and could make a more immediate impact by moving inside.

Rated 10th nationally among guard recruits in 247Sports' composite rankings, Carr is the fourth offensive lineman to commit to Auburn's 2015 class. The three others—Kaleb Kim, Bailey Sharp and Marquel Harrell—are each from Georgia.

Carr understood there was some urgency to reach a decision considering the Tigers' stockpile of talent at the position.

"They are only taking five spots and they have three filled," he told John Talty of AL.com earlier this month. "It's getting nitty-gritty. They said if that's where I want to be, I shouldn't wait too long."

Carr elected to make the call early this summer, rather than wait for others to fill the Auburn bandwagon. The Tigers hold 16 commitments in a class that rates sixth nationally in 247Sports' composite team rankings.

Auburn now awaits an announcement from in-state tight end Jalen Harris, who is scheduled to choose either Auburn, Alabama LSU, Miami or Vanderbilt Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET.

Recruit information and ratings courtesy of 247Sports unless otherwise noted.

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