Kayden Luke Lives the Fullback Life: ‘I Try to Knock People on Their A**’

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Fully embodying everything a great fullback needs to be, Kayden Luke detailed his mindset for the position and his connection to a Mountaineer legend on Tuesday night.

In his first media session since arriving in Morgantown, Luke brought out his personality, something WVU fans remember from his fullback predecessor, granted separated by about 20 years, Owen Schmitt.

When Schmitt was trucking over defenders and running wild as part of Rich Rodriguez’s first tenure, he was also doing it while fulfilling every stereotype imaginable for the position, both on and off the field. He was aggressive and as “Hard Edge” as possible between the white lines and then partied just as hard after the game if West Virginia won.

Realizing the comparisons will happen no matter what, Luke hopes to establish a true relationship with Schmitt. To this point, they have talked virtually a couple times, but have yet to bond in person.

Luke, also referred to as “Cowboy,” is giving off the same type of vibe and hoping he can duplicate some of Schmitt’s success on the field as well.

“I just try to knock people on their ass, and that’s it,” said Luke as his response to what he tries to accomplish. Luke said he just tries to help his team create a new line of scrimmage, either by running it himself or by blocking so Cam Cook and others can rack up yards themselves.

And with running back experience in his past, Luke admitted that he made Rodriguez sell him on his desire to revive the fullback position in college football. Even if he doesn’t earn the opportunity Schmitt decades ago, Luke wanted to ensure he would be utilized and not just stored on the sideline. Rodriguez promised him and he’s lived up to his end of the bargain so far. It’s now up to Rodriguez to unleash his new beast once the season gets underway.

Kayden Luke’s Background:

Luke, listed at 5-foot-11 and 249-pounds, spent the past two seasons with the Wildcats. He ran for 20 yards on five carries.

But despite limited time in college with Arizona, Luke put up big numbers in high school.

The Arizona native totaled 3,609 rushing yards and scored 52 touchdowns on 451 carries including recording 2,307 yards and 29 touchdowns as a senior in 2023.

Find more coverage of Kaden Luke and the WVU football program at WV Sports Now.