Most kids in Tucson dream about running out of the Lowell-Stevens Football Facility tunnel to play in front of thousands of fans under the lights with the hometown Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium.
Former Canyon del Oro High School star Kayden Luke lived out that dream in No. 21 Arizona's season-opening win over New Mexico on Saturday. And not only did he suit up for the Wildcats, the freshman walk-on running back played meaningful snaps in the second half.
Luke played six snaps at fullback, according to Pro Football Focus. Luke received the eighth-highest offensive grade (71.8) by PFF in Arizona's win. Luke's 73.8 run-blocking grade by PFF is the second-best on the team for Saturday.Β
"I'm excited for him," said Arizona head coach Brent Brennan. "Kid grew up local, loving the U of A and to run out on the field and play in his first game as a true freshman, that's a story right there. Dream come true."
Canyon del Oro's Kayden Luke (30) high steps through the Yuma Catholic defense on his way to scoring in the second quarter of the 4A State Football Championship game, Tempe, Ariz., December 1, 2023.
Luke joined Arizona in the summer as a walk-on running back after leading the state in rushing withΒ 2,307 yards and 29 touchdowns. Luke, who was also state championship-winning wrestler at CDO, led the Dorados to an undefeated record and a Class 4A football state championship last season. Luke joined a list of former CDO star running backs to land at Arizona, which also includes former All-American Ka'Deem Carey and Stevie Rocker, who's now at Montana.Β
The red-headed Luke, also known as "Big Red" by his teammates, is "just energetic and comes out with juice," said running back Quali Conley, who scored three touchdowns against New Mexico.
"Every time he comes in, the whole offense gets pumped because he puts in the work during practice and in the weight room," Conley said on Saturday. "Heβs a freshman, state champion in wrestling and his presence helps the offense.β
Canyon del Oro's Kayden Luke (30) steps out of the reach of Yuma Catholic's Hunter Hancock (8) in the fourth quarter of the 4A State Football Championship game, Tempe, Ariz., December 1, 2023.
When Arizona installed the 5-11, 239-pound Luke at fullback for short-yardage situations, he sealed off linebackers and blitzing defensive backs to help create paths for Conley, who scored all of his touchdowns with Luke leading the charge. Luke was a part of a power formation that included six offensive linemen and blocking specialist tight end Roberto Miranda. Northwestern transfer Alexander Doost was the bonus offensive lineman in both six-man lineups.Β
"What we add to that package, you'll see it as it comes. I'm excited for Kayden," Brennan said. "Kid is doing a great job and went in there and made (three) touchdown blocks."
Luke earned early playing time with the Wildcats with his football IQ and ability to learn Arizona's offense β and his willingness to be used as a lead blocker.Β Β
"Sometimes you have a freshman that can't absorb the playbook and can't learn it fast enough, but that wasn't a problem for him," Brennan said. "He was super diligent. Then he combines that athleticism and physicality on a big body."Β
Luke, who Brennan called a "physical, hard-playing football player," and his passion for football is what the Arizona coaches are seeking in future Wildcats.Β
"I think that's one of those things we're always try to identity in recruiting: does the kid love football? I think there's lots of players that love getting recruited, but don't necessarily love football," Brennan said. "Kayden Luke loves football, and it shows every time he steps on the field. ...Β I think it's cool, because he's just getting started.
"He's a true freshman and he's already finding a way to contribute in a meaningful way. I'm optimistic that's going to continue to improve as he goes."
