For Lathan Whisenton, the decision came down to a simple realization.
“It had everything I needed.”
It had everything Whisenton needed in football, relationships, academics and culture.
That clarity led the 2027 Texas running back to announce his commitment to Notre Dame on Wednesday, giving the Irish a key pledge this cycle and their first at the position.
The Waco Midway High School standout chose Notre Dame over a long list of offers that includes schools like Texas, Texas A&M, Baylor, SMU, LSU and Florida among others.
For Whisenton, the fit started with football and that started with running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider.
“Coach Seider is a really great coach,” Whisenton told Irish Sports Daily. “You know how he develops his backs. He developed Jeremiyah Love and JD Price. And he also developed Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen.
“The proof is in the pudding for sure.”
The 6-foot, 200-pounder also saw how he could fit within offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock’s system.
“I feel like he really introduced me to the football part and how I can be useful in their scheme,” Whisenton said.
That football fit was reinforced by the relationships he built throughout the process.
“With Coach Seider, he came down here and I feel like we could talk about so many things,” Whisenton explained. “Mostly we talk about ball and how he coaches. What we have is real. It’s genuine.”
Whisenton also built a connection with head coach Marcus Freeman.
“He’s a very outgoing and high-energy guy,” Whisenton said. “I feel like it’s great to be around him.”
Beyond football, Notre Dame checked boxes academically, especially after Whisenton’s meeting with Notre Dame Associate Director of Academic Services for Student-Athletes Adam Sargent.
“The degree you get from there is life-changing,” Whisenton said. “It’s going to help me for the rest of my life.”
The campus experience made the cultural aspect of the University feel like a fit as well.
“The people made it very welcoming,” Whisenton said. “I really liked that.”
When Whisenton informed the coaches, their reaction only strengthened his confidence in the decision.
“They were stoked,” Whisenton said. “Very welcoming and they can’t wait to have me up there again.”
Now committed, Whisenton will turn his attention toward helping build the class around him.
“I want the best thing possible for Notre Dame,” he said.
There’s a sense of relief that comes with finding the right fit.
“It feels great. The recruiting process was kind of overwhelming and to get it done with a great school is honestly one of the best things I could ask for.”
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