Manti Teo continues to amaze me. Not really with his play on the field. I mean, he played well last Fall, especially for a true freshman. We can all see the ridiculous potential there.
But what’s amazed me is his response to the spotlight, his approach to his team, his leadership as a true freshman.
Take this quote below from the recent “Change” article at ISD:
“We have accomplished a lot over the spring,†Te’o said. “But there is still much work to be done. I think we have gotten closer as a team. But like anything, we are only as strong as our weakest link. Once we truly come together as a family, nothing can stop us. It’s my job to make sure we become that family.â€
Note what Teo said: It’s my job to make sure we become that family
This is a true freshman folks. This isn’t supposed to be said by a true freshman. This isn’t supposed to be well received by upperclassmen and coaches when a True Frosh says it. But by all accounts, it is well received.
Teo is a family guy. It came out in all of his recruiting interviews, in all of his interviews since he came to ND. And Kelly is a team-first coach. That’s come out loud and clear. While Manti may have come to ND to play for Coach Weis, I actually think that his approach to life and his desire to make this TEAM his FAMILY, is going to pay huge dividends for both the player and the team (and, of course, the coach).
I think Manti chose ND over other offers specifically because he could feel that family atmosphere on campus, in addition to his desire to help turn ND around. But maybe that family bond wasn’t quite whole in the locker room. With his help, I think it will be. And who knows how much that will pay off?
But for Manti, the effort already is. As a true freshman, he’s being looked at as a leader in developing the ND Football Family.
But for the right reasons – it’s just his way.
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