Scouting Report: Cole Luke

Chandler (AZ) Hamilton cornerback Cole Luke (#11)
(image via East Valley Tribune)

Name: Cole Luke
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 165 lbs.
Position: Cornerback
School: Chandler (AZ) Hamilton

Notes: Holds offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Arkansas, Boise State, California, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oregon State, Purdue, San Diego State, Texas, UCLA, Utah, Vanderbilt, Washington . . . As a junior in 2011, had 62 tackles, 12 pass breakups, 6 interceptions (3 returned for touchdowns)1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 1 field goal block, 2 punt blocks . . . Claims a 4.45 forty . . . ESPN 4-star CB, 80 grade, #29 CB . . . Rivals 4-star CB, #17 CB, #198 overall . . . Scout 4-star CB, #10 CB . . . 247 Sports 4-star CB, 95 grade, #6 CB, #62 overall

Strengths: Long, lean kid with good wingspan . . . Not a true blazer, but very good speed . . . Shows good hip flexibility . . . Hard to get out of position . . . Good awareness of route combinations and what's going on in the backfield . . . Willing run supporter . . . Goes low on tackles because of size, but wraps up and hangs on . . . Good open field tackler . . . Maintains good position when ball is in the air . . . Looks to be working for turnovers, not just to bat ball down . . . At times tries to tip interceptions to himself


Weaknesses: No glaring weaknesses . . . Needs to bulk up a little bit, like most high school corners . . . Needs to work a little on footwork . . . Not the most elusive or dangerous runner with ball in his hands, but that's nitpicking

Projection: Cornerback.  Luke is a very smooth corner who does most things very well.  He's not the most explosive player you'll find, but more of a glider.  He doesn't get out of position and always seems to know what's going on around the field, and I think that awareness makes him a very safe bet to have a good career.  He's a high ceiling, high floor type of player.

Reminds me of: Donovan Warren but more athletic.  I'm having a hard time coming up with a comparison from recent Michigan history, because Warren was a smooth cover man but never wowed anyone with his speed.  A lot of other good Michigan corners in recent years were more physical (Ty Law, Marlin Jackson) and not as smooth.  Luke actually reminds me a little of Johnny Sears in the way he moves, but Sears was a moron both on and off the field.