Arizona junior running back Rayshon "Speedy" Luke plans to redshirt this season, the Star learned on Wednesday.
Luke will continue to help the Wildcats with week-to-week prep in practice and return next season.
Utah linebacker Levani Damuni (3) manages to catch Arizona running back Rayshon Luke (21) after he hauled in a pass in second quarter of their Pac-12 matchup at Arizona Stadium on Nov. 18, 2023.
Although Luke appeared in four games for the Wildcats this season, recording 10 touches for 65 yards, he can preserve an extra year of eligibility by redshirting the remainder of the season. Luke could still play for the Wildcats in the postseason, including the Big 12 championship game.
After playing behind Michael Wiley, Jonah Coleman and DJ Williams for the last two seasons, Luke was expected to have an elevated role for the Wildcats this season. The 5-9, 172-pound Luke, a former four-star prospect, signed with the Wildcats' loaded 2022 recruiting class, which also included wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, quarterback Noah Fifita, offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea, linebacker Jacob Manu and cornerback Tacario Davis, among others.
Arizona running back Rayshon Luke makes a catch on the sideline for a first down against Utah during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Salt Lake City, Utah. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)
In three seasons at Arizona, Luke has 56 carries for 271 yards and a touchdown, a 40-yard run in the Wildcats' win over Washington State last season in Pullman. As a receiver, Luke has 11 catches for 148 yards in his UA career.
With Luke now out of the rotation, the Wildcats have three scholarship running backs available: senior Quali Conley, sophomore Kedrick Reescano and redshirt freshman Brandon Johnson, who has not played since signing with the UA last season. New Mexico transfer running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt's eligibility was flagged by UA compliance and the NCAA, and the sixth-year senior hasn't played since the season opener.
Arizona running back Rayshon Luke (21) runs the football during an NCAA college football game against Utah, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Salt Lake City, Utah. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)
Tucson native and freshman walk-on fullback Kayden Luke played 20 offensive snaps in Arizona's first four games of the season and had one carry for 4 yards in the Wildcats' win at No. 10 Utah on Saturday.
Arizona (3-1) faces Texas Tech (4-1) for its Big 12 home opener at Arizona Stadium on Saturday at 8 p.m. on Fox.
