Cornerback Cole Luke Verbally Commits to Notre Dame!

Luke committed to the Irish after watching them first hand for the third time this fall in last weekend’s victory over Oklahoma. Luke’s high school coach is Steve Belles, who played under Lou Holtz at Notre Dame. He committed to the Irish over offers from Oklahoma, Texas, Michigan, and USC among others. Luke is set to play in the Semper Fidelis All-Star game in January.

Recruiting Service Rankings:

ESPN – 4 star (#4 AZ, #33 CB), 80 Grade

Rivals – 4 star (#5 AZ, #22 CB), 5.8 Grade (#221 Overall)

Scout – 4 star (#20 CB)

247Sports – 4 star (#2 AZ, #8 CB), 95 Grade (#65 Overall)

Highlights (click to go to video)

Impact:

Immediate Future:

Luke is a very talented corner and athlete, and his immediate impact is really going to be determined by two things: the number of snaps available (likely low) and how much he can bulk up before the season starts in 2013. He is only listed at 170 lbs. Given his size, he probably needs to get to the 190-200 lb range to play within Diaco’s system. He should definitely make an impact on special teams and should push to get into the two deep in camp, likely at the nickel corner spot.

Long Term/Career:

Luke definitely has a bright future ahead of him in South Bend. He does all the things you ask of a corner—plays man/zone coverage, plays the ball in the air, tackles in space—very well. He will have to take some time learning the scheme and system, but should compete for a starting spot in 2014. As was said above, he needs to add around 20 lbs and should be able to do so without losing any of his quickness. His highlight reel reminds me a bit of Robert Blanton and the current freshman phenom KeiVarae Russell.

Welcome to Notre Dame Cole!