Click for Erik Lukner Highlights
One of the best off-seasons by any lineman in Washington is that of Sedro-Woolley’s Erik Lukner (’16).
There has never been a question about Lukner’s ability as a run blocker, but like most Wing-T linemen, Lukner has had to prove he can pass block. At the Rough Diamonds NW College Showcase, Lukner not only held his own, he passed with flying colors.
“I started working with Scott Enyeart and Barton Football this off season on my technique and footwork,” Lukner told NEI. “I also noticed a change during wrestling season, as I worked to achieve my goals of placing at state. Something clicked, my coaches noticed it as well.”
Lukner plays tackle for Sedro-Woolley, but projects best inside at Center or guard. He brings a strong punch, good hands and does a great job anchoring down against the rush.
“I have strong center of gravity I attribute to playing ice hockey for 12 years,” Lukner said. “My weakness would have to be that I overthink situations at times and I could be more confident. To improve my game I need to stop overthinking, keep improving my pass protection and continue to develop faster feet and become stronger.”
The 6-foot-3, 295 pounder was named first team All-NWC and All-County on way to helping the Cubs to a State Championship last season. He sports a 3.57 GPA as part of the National Honor Society and is a member of the Honor Roll.
Lunker’s most impressive traits are his ability to set goals, focus on achieving them, and finishing the job. This season he wants to continue improving his pass protection, while being nominated as an All-State member. He states teams goals of working as one and having the highest team GPA in the conference, but the ultimate goal is to repeat as state champions.
Living in Sedro-Woolley, wrestling has a place with just about all athletes, and Lukner is no different. Last year he was the district’s heavyweight champion, and would go on to finish 7th in the state tournament. Lukner has set a goal to improve that finish, and there is no doubt in my mind he will.
When you start talking recruiting, Lukner is seen as a D1 prospect, and has been hearing from schools all across that level of play. He’s received interest from the Pac-12 and Mountain West, but has seen the most significant interest from the Big Sky (Eastern Washington, Portland State and Northern Colorado) and Ivy League (Cornell, Harvard and Yale).
Time will tell with Lukner, but there is no doubt in my mind he will do everything he can to play at the highest level.
WOW. GIVE IT A GO … YOU CAN DO IT!!