Starting Lineup: Panthers’ ‘ballhawk’ Luke Spotts loves flying around on defense
To recognize the top players in Berks football MikeDragoSports.com has selected the “Starting Lineup,” a preseason All-Berks team that includes the top linemen, backs, receivers, linebackers and specialists.
Players were selected based on past performance, expected performance this season and college potential. Two-way players were given special consideration. One player will be introduced each day, in random order (the players are not ranked).
Luke Spotts, Schuylkill Valley
| 6-2 | 215 | Senior | TE/WR/LB |
BACKSTORY: Luke Spotts earned All-Berks honors at tight end as a sophomore, catching a team-high 28 passes, but his heart lies in the other huddle, on defense.
“I might be a little different,” admits the Schuylkill Valley senior. “I’m aggressive. I like hitting people.”
Running precise pass patterns is fine for the other guys; not Spotts.
“I like flying around (on defense),” he said. “Wherever the ball’s at, I’m gonna be there.”
The Panthers’ high-powered offense put up 48 or more points three straight weeks last September but Spotts’ favorite game of the season came the following week, a hard-fought, white-knuckle 7-6 victory over Northern Lebanon.
The Panthers defense was on its heels for four quarters; it needed to block a late field goal to persevere.
Spotts recorded four tackles for loss, a sack and a QB hurry in that game; he was named Body Zone Physical Therapy Defensive Player of the Week.
It was at about that point in the season, with All-State running back Dominic Guiffre down with an injury and the offense sputtering, that defensive coordinator Jeremy Crills turned Spotts loose on defense. He saw that the rangy 6-2, 215-pound Spotts could be a weapon, blitzing off the edge; he kept calling his number.
By season’s end Spotts ended up with five pass break-ups, two interceptions, three sacks, seven tackles for loss and a spot on the Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 5 all-league team. His attacks from the edge helped carry the Panthers to a program-record nine wins and a share of the Section 5 championship.
Spotts loves nothing better than rushing off the edge, collapsing the pocket and creating havoc for opposing quarterbacks.
“I get to do my own thing on defense,” Spotts said. “I’m either gonna get a TFL (tackle for loss) or I’m gonna get a sack, or a QB hurry. We have a strong defense behind me, so if I don’t get the tackle I trust my guys behind me. They’ll make the play.”
“He’s a ballhawk,” Panthers quarterback Logan Nawrocki said of Spotts. “It’s cool seeing him sack a quarterback, get a strip sack; it’s really cool to see how much of a leader he is on defense.”
Nawrocki appreciates Spotts just as much on the offensive end. He’s a big target with good hands and is a threat after the catch. Nawrocki knows that if he puts the ball up there Spotts is going to come down with it.
“Luke is always there,” Nawrocki said. “He’s reliable. When I’m checking down, I know he can get a first down (throwing to him); he can break anything away.”
Schuylkill Valley coach Bruce Harbach, who won a pair of PIAA championships at Lancaster Catholic, says Spotts compares favorably to Crusaders All-State tight ends Ryan Purvis and Matt Balasavage.
“He runs great routes,” Harbach said. “He has good speed, good hands. He’s a good downfield blocker. He’ll be a major force in our run and pass game. I’ve coached some great tight ends and he’s right up there with them.”
Spotts has a lot of upside considering his background: He didn’t play football until seventh grade.
ROLE: Linebacker and tight end.
COLLEGE PROSPECTS: No offers; his coach, Bruce Harbach, believes Spotts projects as a PSAC prospect.
COACH’S TAKE: “Closes on football well and has a nose for the football. Good feet. Physical player with good instincts. Can get after the quarterback. Very disruptive on defense.”
2024 Starting Lineup
| Chase Eisenhower | Wyomissing | FB/LB | Jr. |
| Evan Myers | Twin Valley | QB/DB | Sr. |
| Luke Spotts | Schuylkill Valley | TE/LB | Sr. |
| Logan Wegman | Exeter | T/DT | Sr. |
