Berks Catholic DE Luke Painton commits to Columbia @lpainton17 @BerksCatholicFB

Tagged under: District 3, News

Billy Splain | July 30, 2018

The Saints made a deep run into the PIAA State Playoffs last year and are expected to make a similar run this year. One of the reasons for that success is Tight End/Defensive end Luke Painton. Standing at 6-7 and weighing 245 pounds, Painton helped pave the way for the Berks Catholic run to 13-1. Big things are expected this year and expect Painton to again be a part of that picture. Today on twitter Painton announced that he was committing to Columbia University.

We caught up with him to ask him about his commitment:

WPA: why did you choose The Lions?

Luke: I chose the Lions for multiple reasons. Columbia itself is an awesome school and academics are very important to me. It had my favorite coaching staff of all the schools I visited, the location in New York City is great, and I like how the Lions are building a winning program.

WPA: who was your biggest influence at Columbia, who recruited you?

Luke: Coach Mclaughlin, my area recruiter, has been talking to me since late February and has been great. Coach Fabish, the offensive coordinator and tight end coach, was also very involved. We had a great talk when I visited back in March.

WPA: what do your parents think of your decision?

Luke: My mom is ecstatic with my decision. She loved the school when I visited and knew it was where I wanted to be.

WPA: what are they getting in player like you?

Luke: Columbia is getting a player who will work to develop into the best player I can be. I feel that I still have a lot of developing to do, and I am excited to work with a college training program to maximize my potential.

WPA: what position will you play?

Luke: I will play tight end, which is the position I’d prefer to play.

WPA: why commit early?

Luke: I committed early because I felt that Columbia is the right fit for me. I really had no desire to prolong the process and try to earn bigger offers because I am extremely happy for Columbia. I am also happy I can now focus on my high school and trying to win a state title.

WPA: Do you know what you’d like to study?

Luke: I would like to go into business, and maybe some time after pursue law school. Columbia has awesome internship opportunities in New York City with both those fields.

WPA: What do you think is the most exciting thing about Columbia University?

Luke: I think Columbia’s up and coming program is the most exciting thing about Columbia for me right now. Under Coach Bagnoli, the lions had a great year last year, and I would like to join the process and help Columbia win championships.

WPA: How will this affect your play for your senior season?

Luke: I don’t think committing early will impact my play too much, but it will be nice to not have to worry about recruiting and just commit all my time to my senior season.

Follow PA Football News on Twitter @PaFootballNews