College teams catching onto 2027 Virginia QB Luke Gaither
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
“Super Sophomore” is the tagline for today, wait two years, “Sensational Senior” will be the easiest way to sum up the playing abilities of Luke Gaither. Gifted with next level arm talent already, the 6-3, 175-pound, gunslinger has unlimited potential in the pocket. His first full season leading Virginia’s Radford High School continues into the playoffs while college coaches post his name on their recruiting board.
Last season the Bobcats posted a perfect season clinching a state championship. With Gaither guiding the team’s Air Raid offense, Radford has bypassed expectations.
“Our season is going great actually; we weren’t expected to do much,” Gaither said. “We’ve come a long way. Off last year’s team, we lost 18 seniors – we are 8-3 now.”
Asked about his style of play, Gaither replied, “I am a pro style quarterback. I like to sit back in pocket, read the field, and throw, but I can run as well. I would say I am allusive. I read the field well and get the ball out quick.
“I have to give credit to my teammates for all they do for me, helping me get this far.”
Gaither got to spin it for the Bobcats as a freshman producing 197 yards and two touchdowns off 11 of 18 attempts. How that experience paid off in 2024 was detailed.
“It helped a lot,” Gaither stated. “It helped me learn the offense. Being behind Landen Clark, he’s at Elon now, helped me watching him play and seeing how he controlled the game; that helped a lot.”
A big test for Gaither and the Bobcats was passed on Nov. 15 with a 34-14 playoff victory over Patrick County. Next up, Gretna (8-3).
“They are very athletic – I am not expecting an easy game,” Gaither shared. “I think we have a really good shot at winning this game.”
Luke Gaither with QB coach Baylin Trujillo at Notre Dame.
Three opportunities to spin it at the next level have already come in from Appalachian State, Toledo, and UNLV. Recruiting interest is growing.
“Virgina Tech, Liberty, Boston College, Notre Dame, UVA (Virginia), Wake Forest, and West Virginia are showing interest,” Gaither said.
The interested parties have been able to get Gaither on campus for game-day visits.
“I have been to Notre Dame, UVA, App (Appalachian) State, Toledo, Virginia Tech, and North Carolina – they are also showing a lot of interest in me,” Gaither stated.
The Fighting Irish impressed the Class of 2027 prospect during his visit.
“It was awesome,” Gaither shared. “The atmosphere was very family incorporated. It was very exciting; never a dull moment there.”
In Chapel Hill for the rivalry game against Wake Forest, Gaither enjoyed his time with the Tar Heels.
“It was amazing,” Gaither explained. “I talked to coach Chip Lindsey (OC/QB) for 20 to 30 minutes. They are showing a lot of interest. I am looking forward to building that relationship with them.”
The Cavaliers also left a mark on Gaither.
“It was great,” Gaither said. “I talked to coach (Taylor) Lamb (QB) for a little bit. We talked about my team, the season, and my grades. He is a really cool guy. UVA is really nice. They have really nice facilities, and a great coaching staff.”
The next game-day trip will keep Gaither in-state to see the Flames take on the Hilltoppers.
“I camped there this summer, it was awesome,” Gaither stated. “Liberty is close to my house. They have a good Christian base; I like that about them. Liberty is a good school. I love coach Willy Korn (OC/QB), he’s been nothing but nice to me.”
Gaither keeps piling the numbers up on the stat sheet. Through 11 games, Gaither is credited with over 2,300 yards passing and 22 scored and 100-plus rushing yards with one trip into the end zone.