Name: Luke Stice
College: Texas Tech
Position: Linebacker / Fullback
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 225
Q: If you could describe your style of play in 3 words, what would they be?
Luke: Relentless ,Passionate, and Physical.
Q: How are you going to train/prepare this offseason in preparation for the draft or other pro opportunities?
Luke: Now that Pro Day is behind me, I’m able to shift my entire focus into being best conditioned and most explosive athlete I can be in preparation for this upcoming season. Pro day training definitely improved me as an athlete, however now that I’ve competed in pro day the preparation is no longer separated between the pro day events and football drills. Everything from this point on is specifically football oriented which is something I’m looking forward too both in the weight room and practice field.
Q: If you could compare yourself to one current or former NFL player who would it be and why?
Luke: I would compare my game to another former Texas Tech Red Raider in Zach Thomas. When you watch him on film, he’s a very active player always flying to the football and carried himself with a blue collar mentality and those are two of many great qualities Zach Thomas’s game had that I try to show in my style of play at all times as well.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on or look for?
Luke: My linebacker coach as Texas Tech this last season was real big on always having the correct alignment before every play depending on the defensive call as well as the offensive formation, so that was something I always focus on pre snap as I’m watching film. During the play, I focus on my footwork and pad level to make sure I keep myself in the best position possible and when the time comes, to just go give full out effort and find a way to make the play. As I’m looking at the opposition during film, I try to find tendencies in running back depth in the back field which may give away a certain play type such as a screen or a lateral running play. Also, the offensive linemen to see if their pre-snap tendencies give away a pulling guard or possibly run or pass depending on their stances.
Q: What separates you from other players at your position?
Luke: I am a very coachable player, I take a lot of pride in being an “everyday” type player. I am very consist in my overall training and preparation both mentally when it comes to film study trying to gain as much information on myself to be able to improve along with studying my opponent to find any tendencies that my be exploited, and physically training as hard as possible in order to put the best trained athlete on the field possible. I believe that being consistent in your overall performance is an Important way to establish trust with your teammates and coaching staff knowing that your going be a dependable everyday guy that the team can count on regardless of the situation. As it comes to my on the field performance, I would say what separates me the most is the mentality I bring with me every play. Whether it’s on offense, defense, or special teams, your going to get my full out effort every snap and that’s something I take pride in.
Q: What kind of abilities would you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
Luke: I would say my versatility as a football player is one of my biggest on the field strengths. I’ve had experience in all three phases of the game at the collegiate level and I’m confident in my abilities at whatever position the team needs me to be in to help the team be successful. Off the field, I would say my leadership qualities is one of my biggest strengths. I started my collegiate career as a walk-on at both Universities I competed at over the past 5 years and was able to earn a scholarship twice for both University of Houston as well as Texas Tech, doing so at Texas Tech after being voted for Team Captain which was a huge honor for me especially after only being on campus for less then a year for my last season of eligibility following graduation from Houston in the fall of 2015.
Q: What is your final pitch/sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?
Luke: I take pride in putting the team first knowing that the ultimate goal is to win a championship, and as a player I’ll do whatever the team needs me to do in any of the three phases to help the team be successful. I’m an everyday guy that loves to compete and show up to work each day with a blue collar mindset ready to get after it and push myself and my teammates to a higher level both in off-season preparation as well as their performance on the field.