Mother of Michigan On300 OT target Carter Lowe: ‘They have made us a priority’
On300 Toledo (Ohio) Whitmer offensive tackle Carter Lowe has only completed two full seasons of padded football. But as Michigan and other Power 5 schools make up Lowe’s double-digit offer sheet, he’s asked why he didn’t start playing the sport earlier.
As someone newer to the sport than his peers, Lowe’s accumulated interest on the recruiting trail is also a brand new journey for the entire family, who continue to adjust to the landscape.
“It can be overwhelming because of the traveling and everywhere that we go,” Lowe’s mother Latonya told The Wolverine. “Getting all of these phone calls. Every time we look up, there’s something different happening on social media. It’s just about staying humble and taking it all in day by day.”
Stepping foot on the campuses of schools that have expressed high regard for Lowe’s ceiling and already acclaimed talent has provided Latonya and the family with opportunities to see what lies ahead for the junior lineman.
“I enjoy visiting all the colleges and comparing them,” Latonya said. “They have different ways in which they treat the families. Just like how football is new to him, it’s new to me, too, because we were a basketball family. So, going to all of these schools and checking out the fields and where they workout is amazing. It’s truly amazing.”
The family has visited Michigan eight times, the most of any other program in the mix. Latonya, her husband and Lowe recently drove back to Ann Arbor last weekend to watch the win over Indiana.
“They have made us a priority,” Latonya said. “When we get there and come through the door, they know that he’s there and he’s arriving. Sometimes, when we might have to arrive late, they’re still waiting for us. It doesn’t matter if we’re a half-hour late, they’re accommodating. Me and my husband really appreciate that.”
Saturday was Latonya’s first game at The Big House but the second for Lowe, who took in the Maryland win last season.
“It was so ugly because of the rain, of course, but I was amazed how many people still came,” Latonya said. “People kept pouring into the stadium. The atmosphere was amazing. (The staff) made sure we got to our seats. After I was out there for a while and didn’t want to sit in my spot anymore, a lady escorted me back to the recruiting room so I could stay dry.”
Michigan offensive line coach Sherrone Moore has kept an open line of communication with Lowe and his parents since extending an offer in January. Early impressions of Moore from Latonya are the former’s down-to-earth persona.
“I do like Coach Moore,” Latonya said. “I do like that (Michigan is) close, of course, because it makes it easy to get up there. When these other colleges call and they want you to come down, you can’t just jump in the car and go. Coach Moore is a very easy guy to deal with, talk to and very nice. The staff is very accommodating, so it makes it easier whenever they want us to come visit.”
For Moore to make himself available for discussion whenever Lowe or his family wants to reach out has significantly stood out.
“He told us and told Carter that if we have any questions or concerns, we can call him anytime,” Latonya said. “Some coaches don’t make themselves accessible, or they don’t make contact as much. But Coach Moore on the last visit said, again, ‘Call me if you have any concerns or if something is bothering you so that we can talk about it.’”
Lowe has spoken to Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh on more than one visit, like during the annual late July BBQ at The Big House. Latonya remembers first meeting Harbaugh at a summer prospect camp in Ann Arbor.
“It’s a funny story, when Carter went up there last year for a camp and won MVP, I came up without my husband because he couldn’t make it,” Latonya said. “They were pulling us left and right, ‘Go to this field. Go to that field.’ I was so lost. When I was outside, I go up to this man with a hat on and said, ‘Sir, I just need to know where we’re going.’ He asked, ‘Which position is your son?’ I said, ‘Left tackle.’ He said, ‘Why did you ask me?’ I said, ‘You look pretty important because you have the hat on.’ It was Coach Harbaugh. That’s how much I didn’t know (laughs). He was so tickled by it and said I made his day. It’s a joke now and he does recognize me from that. He’ll say, ‘Do you remember me?’ I say, ‘Oh ya’ (laughs).”
As Lowe continues his search leading up to a commitment, there will be several distinct components, whether on or off the field. that the family will evaluate to determine the proper fit,
“I’m looking for a family atmosphere,” Latonya said. “When he doesn’t have practice, doesn’t have classes or homework, he can still move around and enjoy that area where the school is. I want him to have a good brotherhood and good relationships with the players. I want him to have a family wherever he goes.
“He really pays attention to his position and what other players have committed. He also pays attention to the players at his position in the past who have gone on further with their football careers.”
At 6-foot-6, 310 pounds, Lowe is listed as the No. 173 overall prospect and No. 13 offensive tackle in the country, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four primary recruiting media services. He’s also the No. 7 player in Ohio.
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