Lone Peak star Luke Durfey commits to Utah State
HIGHLAND, Utah — After being crowned state champions of Utah, many on the talented football team of Lone Peak High School are making big decisions and commitments for their future. For senior linebacker and running back Luke Durfey, Utah State will be a familiar, yet new journey.
Durfey announced his commitment to Utah State as a Preferred Walk-On via Twitter on Jan. 4.
Lone Peak has maintained its position on the apex of Utah high school football. The previous 2020 season ended with Lone Peak stumbling against UHSAA 6A rival Corner Canyon in the state championship game. However, the 2021 season ended with a rematch victory over Lone Peak’s rival in a high scoring, closely contested 49-42 duel. It is the first state championship for the reigning program since the 2018 season.
“It’s a sense of honor, something to be proud of the rest of your life,” Durfey expressed. “To be able to represent the community and Lone Peak like that, there’s no better feeling.”
This season’s senior class represented the community so well that it may be considered one of the most talented in the Knights’ recent history. There are six three-star athletes and several other key leaders and contributors who have all been sought out by Division I schools.
“Lone Peak football has a brotherhood I don’t think other programs have,” Durfey explained. “Each one of the players looks at each other like family and that’s something you can’t teach.”
That family now has a legacy, championship and a special bond that is built to last.
Durfey wore many hats for the Knights during the season. Not only is he a leader for the guys below him, but also an all-around contributor and leader who plays both sides of the field at linebacker and running back. His dominant style of play at multiple positions have earned him several nicknames such as “Swiss Army Knife,” “Do-it-all Durfey” and “Durfey-Dozer.”
In his senior season, Durfey helped lead the defensive unit with 122 tackles, 11 for loss, 3.5 sacks, four passes defended, two fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles. Luke contributed on the other side of the ball as a goal line back, carrying 71 times for 269 yards and 10 touchdowns, as well as two catches for 114 yards and a score.
When asked about the learning curve of playing multiple positions, Durfey responded confidently.
“All my life, I’ve played those two positions along with some others, so it was natural,” he said. “Whenever my name was called, I would go out. In-game adrenaline beats being tired any day of the week. I would even tell the coaches to let me go out and contribute.”
Lone Peak head coach Bart Brockbank spoke about Durfey’s leadership in an article in December.
“Luke is one of the best leaders I’ve ever coached,” Brockbank said. “He leads so much by example. He really is the heart and soul of the team this year.”
That strong desire to win, combined with his willingness to lead and contribute, sparked a historic season. Durfey deservedly earned the recognition for his dedication this season by not only earning the title of state champion, but earning Utah Valley Football Player of the Year and 6A Co-Defensive Player of the Year with current and childhood teammate Connor Kelley.
With his senior season in the rearview mirror, Durfey now looks ahead to his future with the Mountain West Conference champion Utah State Aggies.
Durfey explained that Utah State was not only a great fit for him, but they also have an “incredible football program.”
Aggie athletics run in the family for Durfey, whose parents both attended Utah State. His father was an All-State running back for American Fork in high school. His mother is in the Utah State Athletics Hall of Fame for her many records and honors in track.
It is homecoming of sorts for Durfey, but not just because of his own family connection. Durfey will be joining the ranks of familiar faces like Lone Peak three-star teammate Kao Hansen and several other opponents from rival high schools.
“(There’s) nothing better than being surrounded by guys who you know can ball,” Durfey said. “When you know their style of play, with that chemistry, that’s how winning teams are made.”
Durfey looks to contribute in any way possible for the Aggies and hopes to compete and play as soon as possible. Motivation, work ethic, leadership and pure love for the game are all elements of his style that Utah State can count on.
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