The 6-foot-3, 220-pound 4-star linebacker, Luke Metz, committed to the University of Alabama in March under new head coach Kalen DeBoer. After 33 Division 1 offers, including Duke, LSU, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Michigan, and Ole Miss, Metz found his place in the 2025 Class at Alabama.
The Mill Creek High School Junior from Gwinnett County has deep roots in Habersham County.
Deeply rooted in Habersham
Luke’s great-grandparents are Albert and Fannie London of Demorest (both deceased), his grandparents John (deceased) and Shirrell Whiting of Demorest, and his mom Joyelle Whiting (Habersham Central Class of 1993).
Spending many summers with his Nannie in Demorest, tubing in Helen, eating on the square in Clarkesville, and even fishing in Habersham Mills Lake, Luke not only has fond memories but feels a part of the community.
Luke talks about how much he loves to visit his “Nannie” in Habersham and about how much his family means to him.
His father, Delbert “D” Metz, grew up in Lithia Springs but frequently visited the North Georgia mountains in his youth to camp, hunt, and fish. Joyelle and D moved to Gwinnett in 2005 for an easier commute for D who is employed in Atlanta.
“They have played a huge role in my life always supporting me,” Luke said.
The youngest of three, Luke fell in love with football when he was small.
“I started playing when I was 6 years old and I always kind of knew I’d be a special player because I played harder and was a little bigger and faster from a young age than the other kids at that age,” Luke explained.
Roll Tide…
His mom, Joyelle, says it started even earlier, “When Luke was 2, his older brother had him in the yard tossing a football.”
Joyelle said Luke showed a love for the physicality of football from the very beginning and quickly developed a working knowledge of other positions and really had a knack for predicting the opposition’s plays and where the ball was going.
“If he wasn’t playing football he was asking to review game film,” Joyelle added.
Despite his entire family being Georgia fans, Luke had a passion for Alabama football and always told his mom and dad that he would have them yelling ‘Roll Tide’ someday. “We did say those words for the first time in March while standing on the Alabama practice field when Luke verbally committed to the Alabama Coaches,” Joyelle laughed.
There has been a lot of publicity and notoriety but Luke wants to use it as a platform to encourage youth that “No dream is impossible if you’re willing to work at it,” Joyelle continued.
“I definitely just try to keep my head level and know where I want to go and where I’m at now and just tell myself to keep working for the end goal – NFL,” Luke acknowledged.
The biggest influence in his life is God. He gives all praise to God for the opportunity. Luke said he is inspired to work hard and succeed in football because he wants to be able to impact other people and help them.
In ten years, Luke hopes to be playing in the NFL. In the meantime, he believes the University of Alabama is the right environment for him.
The dream life
“I’ve always been a fan of Alabama. The coaching style and fit is great for me,” Luke added.
When asked if he is Livin’ the Dream, Luke answered, “This is definitely what I’ve always wanted. There is so much more to achieve though. I’m really looking forward to the future.”
