INTEL: Official Visit Recap With The Mother Of Lawrence Keys III
LaTanya Manning might have wanted to get to Notre Dame more than her son, 2018 McDonogh 35 (La.) receiver Lawrence Keys III. The Basilica and Notre Dame campus was something Manning wanted to experience and simply take in as they were in South Bend for an official visit over the weekend.
“It went great,” Manning told Irish Sports Daily. “I didn’t expect anything less, but everything was great. I got everything answered I wanted to be answered. I saw things I didn’t know that were there and everything I did know that was there, I saw as well.
“I met with just about everyone that is involved in the recruiting process. I met a lot of coaches. I finally met Aaryn (Kearney). The people were great. The food was great. I enjoyed it, and Lawrence enjoyed it.”
Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly will head down to New Orleans for an in-home visit on Thursday, but he made a big-time impression on Manning and Keys on their visit.
“The meeting with coach Kelly went great,” stated Manning. “He gave us a little bit of background about himself and told Lawrence that he fits the description of someone would attend Notre Dame in terms of his character and football. I liked the fact they’re very selective in who they actually allow to attend Notre Dame.”
Kelly made sure to inform Manning that her son fits what he’s looking for in his program, but also highlighted the fact Admissions also spoke highly of the four-star prospect.
“We met with athletic support staff,” Manning said. “They interviewed Lawrence and I. Coach Kelly said the guy from admissions gave a good report on Lawrence.”
Freshman receiver Michael Young, a Louisiana native, hosted Keys and the two had known about each other before the visit, but Young also made sure explain why he chose Notre Dame.
“Lawrence keeps up with all the athletes in the state and he knew about him before the visit,” explained Manning. “He explained what life was like away from home and stuff like that.”
One of the biggest concerns for recruits and families is how they will fit into the Notre Dame culture. It was very apparent Keys fit into the environment at Notre Dame as soon as he stepped on campus.
“When we got up there, we just fit right in,” stated Manning. “It was like we had known everyone forever. The student body they had to escort us around was very, very knowledgeable and helpful about campus.
“I was pleased with what I saw. Obviously, Lawrence has to make that decision, and he has to be happy with his decision. I don’t want him to be in a situation where he is second-guessing himself being away from home.”
Manning has faith that if Keys attends Notre Dame, the experience he had this weekend will translate over the next four years, but also in the coaching staff taking care of her son.
I was left at the hotel and Lawrence was with the football players,” laughed Manning. He fit in. I told coach Kelly that was just concerned as a parent that he would be cared for as one of their own. Even when they have to be stern sometimes, I just want them to have his best interests in mind.”
Speaking of a decision, Keys will head to SMU and Texas for his final official visits in the coming weeks, but Notre Dame has set the bar.
Manning isn’t pressuring her son into a decision and will back him when he makes the call.
“It’s totally up to him,” said Manning. “I’m going to support whatever decision he makes.
“If I had to choose for him, you don’t just get into Notre Dame. I would tell my son that it’s a blessed opportunity. That says a lot about your character. They aren’t just letting anyone into Notre Dame.”
It’s clear character matters to Manning, and Notre Dame knows Keys would be a valuable asset on and off the field for the program.
“I trust that if he were to commit to Notre Dame that Lawrence would do the right things,” said Manning. “He fits the profile. Coach Kelly talked about good decision making, and Lawrence knows I am on him about making good decisions.”