Arizona Wildcats RB Rayshon “Speedy” Luke plans to redshirt this season

Luke will continue to help the Wildcats with weekly preparation in practice and will return next season.

Although Luke appeared in four games for the Wildcats this season, recording 10 touches for 65 yards, he can earn another year of eligibility by redshirting the remainder of the season. Luke could still play for the Wildcats in the postseason, including the Big 12 championship game.

After playing behind Michael Wiley, Jonah Coleman and DJ Williams the past two seasons, Luke was expected to play a prominent role for the Wildcats this season. The 5-9, 172-pound Luke, a former four-star prospect, signed with the Wildcats' star-studded 2022 recruiting class that also includes wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, quarterback Noah Fifita, offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea, linebacker Jacob Manu and cornerback Tacario included Davis, among others.

In three seasons at Arizona, Luke recorded 56 carries for 271 yards and one touchdown, a 40-yard run in the Wildcats' win over Washington State last season in Pullman. As a receiver, Luke has 11 catches for 148 yards in his UA career.

With Luke now out of the rotation, the Wildcats have three scholarship running backs available: senior Quali Conley, sophomore Kedrick Reescano and redshirt freshman Brandon Johnson, who hasn't played since signing with the UA last season. New Mexico transfer running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt's eligibility was denied by UA Compliance and the NCAA, and the sixth-grader hasn't played since the season opener.

Tucson native and freshman fullback Kayden Luke played 20 offensive snaps in Arizona's first four games of the season and had one carry for 4 yards in the Wildcats' win at No. 10 Utah on Saturday.

Arizona (3-1) will face Texas Tech (4-1) in the Big 12 home opener at Arizona Stadium on Saturday at 8 p.m. on Fox.