Kayden Luke, the leading rusher in the state who led Canyon del Oro to a 4A state championship last month, told AllSportsTucson.com’s Andy Morales at the Flowing Wells Wrestling Invitational on Saturday night that he is headed to Arizona likely as a preferred walk-on.
Luke, 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds, told Morales after his competition that he is not certain about being a preferred walk-on to begin his career. He has been in communication with Arizona running backs coach Scottie Graham.
“I’m not sure of my situation, but we’ll figure it out soon,” Luke said.
In terms of joining Jedd Fisch’s program at Arizona, Luke mentioned, “I’m very happy it’s happening; I’ve been looking forward to this my whole life.
“(His family) gets to watch me on the big stage. … They get to watch me perform whatever day it’s going to be. I’m very grateful to be given this opportunity. Thank you. Thank you very much.”
He won the state championship at 215 pounds last year and was unbeaten at 59-0 after winning the Most Outstanding Wrestler honor at the recent Mile High Challenge at Prescott.
Kayden Luke to @ArizonaFBall @cdo_football @CoachJeddFisch getting it done. pic.twitter.com/PPHbvWRpTB
— Andy Morales (@AndyMorales8) January 14, 2024
Luke was part of the Dorados’ 4A state championship football team that beat Yuma Catholic 35-27 on Dec. 1 at ASU’s Mountain America Stadium.
He rushed for 217 yards on 31 carries with two touchdowns.
He finished with 2,307 yards rushing on 281 carries with 29 touchdowns.
As a linebacker, he had 66 tackles, 7.5 for loss.
Breaking. Kayden Luke to play for Arizona. @cdo_football @ArizonaFBall Wrestling right now at Flowing Wells pic.twitter.com/Iph8jyrtEW
— Andy Morales (@AndyMorales8) January 14, 2024
“It means everything to me,” Luke said of his performance in the championship game. “I know my parents are standing back there prouder than hell because they made this possible and I just want to thank them. Thank you, God. Thank you everyone. I’m proud to make my family proud.”
He became the first CDO back to achieve more than 2,000 yards rushing in a season since legendary Arizona running back Ka’Deem Carey did it with the Dorados in 2009.
Luke earned the Southern Arizona Media Most Valuable Player honor and was selected the Arizona Bowl Bijan Robinson Player of the Year.
Recommended for you
