Player Spotlight
Recruit Spotlight: Luke Graft, Norwell
Although we are late in the regular season, Summit City felt as though one Senior was not getting the level of love he deserves in his recruiting and after watching some film… I must issue a full-on alert for schools to get eyes on this stand out. IMMIDIATELY!!
Luke Graft comes in at 6’1” and 210 lbs. #12 is a two-way impact player. His strength is defensively at Linebacker, but arguably a program changing running back as well.
Currently at a 295 lb. bench press, 430 lb. squat and 255 lb. power clean. He put up a 4.72 40-yard dash at a showcase this past summer. That number would be improved if timed today.
For his @260jake scouting report, I am VERY high on Luke Graft. At the running back position, he is a pro style runner. He is great at adjusting his pad level for leverage. He is fundamentally sound and can run out pro style passing concepts out of the backfield. At linebacker his read/react and coordination is extremely advanced. He has a great IQ for stunts and knows how to evade pass pro when blitzing. Also, a great form tackler.
This is an interesting recruit. His numbers aren’t as flashy as his junior year, but this is in no way his fault. Norwell is undefeated while winning BIG. This gets starters less reps as they are not needed to play later into the games. So that must be taken into consideration.
In 2021 Graft was good for 1,700 yards on the ground at 7.82 yards per carry and 20 TDs offensively. In 2022 he is at 430 yards at 5.1 yards per carry and 9 TDs. Defensively he has 33 tackles, 10 TFL’s and 5 sacks. Even while not playing complete games in big wins, Luke has been an impact player at the highest level.
Luke is a team first guy. He loves the weight room. He loves the preparation. A very polite and respectful gentlemen. He does not miss optional practices or weight sessions. This is the type of signing that can help put your program in the right direction long term.
Luke is a three-sport athlete who also competes in baseball and basketball as well. Graft is an all-state linebacker and 1st team all-conference RB and DB. You will not see an athlete like this out in the county very often.
Graft tells me he loves the lake. He enjoys fishing in his spare time. And wanted to thank his mother and father for their continued support.
His projection is a D1 commitment at a Missouri Valley Conference level. Luke has had a gameday visit to Valpo. He has had some serious interest from a few area schools as well. If your recruiting department wants to earn a steak dinner from your coaching staff for a home run signing – please contact Luke via twitter @Luke_Graft33 and get into contact with his Norwell coaching staff.
