Luke Rasmussen (#75) has committed to Minnesota and will make his official visit this weekend.
Luke Rasmussen, a 6-7, 265-pound offensive tackle from Brookfield (WI) Central, committed to Minnesota last month and plans to take his official visit this upcoming weekend. He attended the Minnesota football camp this past summer and the Golden Gopher spring game.
Rasmussen helped lead Brookfield Central to a 7-3 mark, losing to Sussex Hamilton 37-34 in the playoffs. They had lost to Sussex Hamilton 24-21 in the regular season. They also lost to Menomonee Falls 34-31, making all of their losses by three points.
Gopher Hole caught up with Rasmussen to learn more on his decision and upcoming visit.
Gopher Hole: You committed to Minnesota a few weeks ago. What was the main reason you decided to commit to the Gophers?
Luke Rasmussen: When I went up there for the camp, I toured the camps and everything. I saw everything that was going on with the football program. I thought that would be a good fit for me if they had offered and then they did, so I knew that was where I wanted to go.
Gopher Hole: Did you get a chance to go to many college football games this fall?
Luke Rasmussen: I went to a few. I went to some Big Ten schools and I was going to try to get to a few MAC schools, but I didn’t get a chance.
Gopher Hole: I know that you went to a Minnesota game as a junior. Did you get a chance to go to a Gopher game this fall?
Luke Rasmussen: I didn’t get a chance to make it up this year for a Gopher game. I was going to make it up for the one against Wisconsin, but then our car got a flat tire, so we had to cancel the trip.
Gopher Hole: When are you taking your official visit?
Luke Rasmussen: I am taking it, I think the 17th through the 19th.
Gopher Hole: You committed a few weeks ago. How do you feel about the decision? Has it changed at all or do you feel more sure about your decision?
Luke Rasmussen: I am very happy with my decision.
Gopher Hole: I know that you are undefeated in basketball and ranked second in the state. You have a big game Tuesday against two-time defending state champion Germantown, who has won 69 straight. What are you expecting out of that game?
Luke Rasmussen: We know that there are going to be a lot of people watching. We have to give them our best shot and we know that they will always come out and give us their best shot. We just have to make sure that we play the way that we know that we can play and it should be a good game.
Gopher Hole: Do you think that basketball helps you as a lineman in terms of foot work and your hands?
Luke Rasmussen: Yes, I would say so. Movement and seeing everything around me. Court awareness and agility.
Gopher Hole: Does it make it hard to put on weight to get ready for college football or isn’t that a big deal?
Luke Rasmussen: It makes it harder, but it is not impossible. I am still able to put on pounds during the season and making sure that I get into the weight room
Gopher Hole: Are you playing any spring sports at Brookfield Central?
Luke Rasmussen: They want me to come out for the track team, but I don’t know if I am going to do that this year.
Gopher Hole: Did you throw the shot put and discus last year?
Luke Rasmussen: No. They wanted me to last year, too, but I had to do other stuff in the spring.
Gopher Hole: Have you competed at the high school level on the track team?
Luke Rasmussen: No. I have done some stuff with some of the guys on the team as far as throwing the shot put in gym class, but I have never competed actually.
Gopher Hole: Once the basketball season is over, what things are you going to be working on to get ready to play at the collegiate level?
Luke Rasmussen: Making sure that I am working on foot work and speed. Also, making sure that I am hitting the weight room hard and getting stronger and bigger.
Gopher Hole: What things are you hoping to see on your official visit?
Luke Rasmussen: I am really looking forward to meeting some of the guys that are going to be on the team with me next year. Getting to know some of my future teammates and getting to see where I will be staying on campus.
Gopher Hole: Do you know any of the recruits yet? Have you talked to any of them or messaged them?
Luke Rasmussen: I know a few from camps and seeing them around at Junior Days, but not a whole lot of them.
Gopher Hole: Who do you know the best?
Luke Rasmussen: Probably Zach Hovey from Eden Prairie. We got to know each other pretty well.
Gopher Hole: What was the reaction of your family and friends when you made the announcement?
Luke Rasmussen: They were all very excited. My friends were excited that I was going to be playing college football, so they were happy to hear that. A lot of congratulatory words from fans.
Gopher Hole: Are you glad to be done with everything recruiting-wise? Was it a little bit stressful at times not knowing exactly where you are going to be going?
Luke Rasmussen: Yes. It is nice to finally know where I was going and know that I was going to a good school and playing for a good team, so everything was nice and I am very happy with the way everything worked out.