Some players refer to college teams as their dream school, but it’s just talk, however, that’s not the case with Penn State commit Lavar Keys.
The junior wide receiver from DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland was named after legendary Penn State linebacker LaVar Arrington and lists former PSU and current Washington Commander wide receiver Jahan Dotson as his favorite player.
With that as the backdrop, it came as no surprise that just days after receiving an offer from his dream school, Keys made the lightning quick decision to commitment immediately to Penn State’s Class of 2026.
“Watching Penn State growing up, seeing LaVar Arrington when he was with the Redskins,” Keys told Nittany Sports Now. “When I was at Penn State, it was just love. The crowd, the atmosphere, the environment around the program, it’s special and was all me.”
Keys was one of many talented recruits in State College for Penn State’s Lasch Bash and after working out for the coaches, the offer came as no surprise.
Extremely Blessed to have EARNED an offer from PENN STATE UNIVERSITY! #ᴀɢ2ɢ #WEARE #pennstate @coachjfranklin @CoachMcGregor @tanksdaman2 @DMCoachbrown6 @luke_casey3 @CoachHock4 @WRU_CoachMilez @adamgorney @RivalsFriedman @EdOBrienCFB @BrianDohn247 @TomLoy247 @ChadSimmons_ pic.twitter.com/pYA26FenCu
— Lavar Keys ✞ (@lavarkeys5) July 28, 2024
“I’m going to be honest, not really,” Keys said. “When I went there, my goal was to get an offer from my dream school. Penn State and my school DeMatha have a great relationship, so I think that helped. Plus, the way that I performed and worked out when I was there. I ran really good routes and me running 4.3 in the 40, I felt as though I would leave with an offer, and I did.”
After receiving the offer July 27, it only took Keys two days to talk it over with his family and make the decision to become a Nittany Lion.
“After getting the offer, with Penn State being my dream school, it was obviously already on my mind,” he said. “Penn State actually brought it up first, calling me the day after I got home and asking me what I was thinking about doing. Throughout the week, Coach (Marques) Hagans and Coach (James) Franklin wanted me to commit and I told them to give me a day to think about it and that’s what I did. It was a bit stressful, I’m not going to lie but, in the end, I just knew that with them being my dream school, why wait and I should just take it. It’s where I’ve always wanted to be, so I figured let’s do it. They were excited, the coaches spoke with my mom, and they want to get me back on campus soon. The whole coaching staff was happy when I told them that I wanted to commit.”
Penn State views the 5-foot-9, 165-pound wide out as a slot receiver, possibly in the same mold as Dotson and former Penn State standout KJ Hamler.
Penn State has secured its second commitment today, landing three-star wide receiver Lavar Keys.
Keys is the sixth commitment for the Nittany Lions in their 2026 class and the fourth of the past week.
Keys is the second receiver commit pairing up with Jahsiear Rogers pic.twitter.com/fB0cbpSOHG
— Alex Rocco (@AlexRocco13_) August 2, 2024
Prior to committing to Penn State, Keys also held offers from Virginia Tech, Maryland, South Florida and Memphis.
“Penn State added a leader, they got a ballplayer and a person that really loves football,” Keys said. “They got someone that loves his teammates, loves his team and wants everyone to be great. They got someone that will perform, score touchdowns and hopefully win games.”
Keys becomes the sixth member of Penn State’s Class of 2026 joining 4-star OT Kevin Brown, 4-star RB Messiah Mickens, 4-star QB Troy Huhn, 3-star DE Daniel Jennings and 3-star WR Jahsiear Rogers.
“Coach Franklin already has a Class of 2026 group text chat,” Keys said. “Me and the other wide receiver that committed (Rogers), we want to train together but I’m in DC so we’re going to have to hold that for the offseason. Troy (Huhn) and I are also talking and we’re working on building our relationship.”
