St. Xavier High School is known both within the state of Ohio, as well as the national level, as a football powerhouse. The Bomber football program won state 2005 (#2 in the country) and 2007 (#1 in the country), has an accumulative 521-285 record, and has over thirty graduates currently playing at the college level. The football program’s biggest claim to fame is Rocky Boiman, a linebacker who played for Notre Dame and was drafted in the 4
th round of the 2002 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. He bounced around several teams, including the Super Bowl winning 2006-2007 Indianapolis Colts. Once again, St. X has the chance to leave its mark on the NFL with St. Xavier High School graduate (’09) and former Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly. Over his three-year career at BC, Kuechly led the nation in tackling twice (finished second in the country as a freshman), collected 532 tackles, was a two-time consensus All-American, won the Butkus Award (awarded to the best linebacker in the country, and the Lombardi Award (awarded to the best lineman or linebacker in the country). According to Scouts Inc., Kuechly is the 10
thbest prospect in this year’s draft class and will be a likely top 15 pick in the NFL Draft.
With a member of the Long Blue Line making it to the highest level of football, I decided to see what makes Luke Kuechly such a great linebacker from his high school coach at St. X, Coach Steve Specht.
- Did you ever think that Luke Kuechly had NFL potential while he attended St. X?
Coach Specht: Talent and work ethic was never a question with Luke. He was always the first in and one of the last to leave. He wanted to get better and studied the game as much if not more than anyone I’ve ever coached. The question was always how much would he grow and how would he develop his game at the next level. As a high school coach you can only say, “I think he has a chance” and God takes care of the rest.
- When was the first time that you realized that he was a “special” player and could be very successful at the next level?
CS: Watching Luke’s development when we moved him from Will linebacker to our Adjuster (Free Safety) position was very telling. Luke reminded me of Rocky Boiman the way he covered so much ground so quickly. He, like Rocky, had an incredible instinct and understanding of the game. More importantly, he worked at his game every day. Luke wanted to be the best he could be and worked very hard at his game.
- What separates Luke from other linebackers and defensive players?
CS: I’d have to say his work ethic, instinct and understanding of the game sets Luke apart.
- What is Luke’s best characteristic that will make him successful in the NFL?
CS: Luke is very humble and a team guy. He knows where he came from and what it took to get him to this level. He knows he is only as good as his last snap and will always work to get better….at any level.
- If you could give Luke one piece of advice, what would it be?
CS: Thank your mom and dad and let them know how much you appreciate and love them. Be true to yourself…and ALWAYS REMEMBER…every day is a GREAT DAY TO GET BETTER!
- One word to describe Luke is……
CS: I couldn’t describe Luke in one word….I’ve always said we want St. X football players to represent class, character and integrity off the field. We want gentlemen off the field, but once they cross that white line we want vicious football players. Luke’s able to “flip that switch” in ways I haven’t seen in many players. I’ve always referred to him as “the silent assassin”. You can’t put all of that into one word…
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