Quarterback Luke Penick, a 10th grader in the Class of 2028 from St. Augustine High School in San Diego, is a young athlete shaped by years of dedication, adversity, and a deep love for the game. He first fell in love with football about ten years ago, drawn to the thrill of watching the sport and the physicality of playing it. Over time, his passion shifted toward the strategic side of the quarterback position, and today he takes pride in reading defenses and delivering big, timely throws. Luke values leadership and the mental side of the position just as much as the physical, and he studies quarterbacks like Diego Pavia and Drew Brees because he relates to their journeys as shorter quarterbacks who succeeded through precision, intelligence, and toughness.
Off the field, Luke enjoys playing golf, a sport that helps him stay relaxed and competitive. His biggest focus right now is getting stronger and sharpening his mechanics as he works toward his goal of earning the starting varsity job next year. The path hasn’t always been easy. Being benched during his freshman season taught him humility and reinforced the importance of hard work. Throughout that challenge, and through setbacks related to size and even an injury in the last game of the season, Luke chose to trust God, stay disciplined, and keep pushing forward.
Before games, he likes to listen to music and get his arm loose with a massage to feel ready. He credits Coach Isabella for believing in him at times when no one else did and for trusting him to make decisions on the field, including calling plays. That trust helped shape his confidence as a leader. One of Luke’s favorite memories is from his 12U season when he threw an 80-yard game winner, a moment he still carries as motivation today. He trains consistently by lifting and throwing often with his wide receivers, building timing and chemistry.
Luke will be attending the 8th Annual SoCal QB Camp with Head QB Coach Brady Performance, the largest quarterback camp in Southern California and powered by the national brand Quarterback Magazine. It’s an opportunity he sees as another step toward refining his craft and preparing for the next level. Luke hopes to continue improving his mechanics, elevate his overall game, and ultimately pursue football beyond high school. His advice to younger players mirrors his own journey: put the work in, appreciate the process, and enjoy the years you have in this game.