Here's why Benedictine junior QB Luke Kromenhoek committed to play for this ACC program

Benedictine's Luke Kromenhoek is regarded as one of the top high school quarterbacks in the nation despite the sophomore having yet to start a game behind center for the Cadets.

Kromenhoek was behind then-senior Holden Geriner, now an early enrollee at Auburn, on the BC squad that won a state title in December.

But college recruiters have been hot on the trail of the 6-foot-4, 185-pound signal caller nonetheless — having seen his talent up close at summer camps and in 7-on-7 competitions.

More: Benedictine quarterback Holden Geriner is headed to Auburn, with Luke Kromenhoek replacing

On Saturday, Kromenhoek announced his commitment to play at Florida State.

"I had a conversation with my parents, my quarterback coach Denny Thompson and (BC head) coach (Danny) Britt and I realized the connection I had with Florida State. I decided it was the best plan for me," Kromenhoek said in a phone interview a couple hours after announcing his commitment on Twitter. "They were the first team to offer me, and I'm really excited about being a part of the Seminole program."

He also had offers from Central Florida and Coastal Carolina, while Clemson has shown serious interest.

Kromenhoek embraced his role as a backup to Geriner this past season and did whatever he could to help the Cadets, who closed out the 2021 campaign on a 13-game win streak and beat Carver-Columbus 35-28 to win the GHSA Class 4A state championship.

As a receiver, he had 25 catches for 287 yards and three touchdowns. He ran for 186 yards and five scores and was also a standout at safety as he showed his hard-nosed style of play with 61 tackles, including five tackles for losses, one interception and five passes defended.

He was 9-of-14 passing on the year for 123 yards with one interception. He is still waiting on his first touchdown pass, but the rising junior knows it will come quickly once the season gets started.

Kromenhoek enjoyed his sophomore season and the chance to play with his older brother, Mac Kromenhoek, a standout linebacker for the Cadets as the duo played on the same defensive unit.

More: How the Kromenhoeks have banded together with Benedictine brothers in a season to remember

"I'm focused on playing for Benedictine right now and am excited to show everyone what I can do at the quarterback position," Luke Kromenhoek said. "I want to go back-to-back as state champions, and I think we have the talent to do it."

College prospect: Benedictine's Luke Kromenhoek receives first college football offer, and it's a big one

Kromenhoek named a number of his teammates — including rising senior receiver/defensive back Za'Quan Bryan, running backs Lamont Mitchell and Ack Edwards, Thomas Blackshear and Bo Tallevast — as players who he can't wait to work with next season.

Bryan had 95 catches for 1,376 yards and 17 total touchdowns last year with Geriner at quarterback, and he said he is looking forward to playing his senior year with Kromenhoek behind center. Bryan received an offer to play at West Point on Saturday, and has seven offers including Minnesota, Coastal Carolina, Central Michigan and Savannah State.

"I'm excited for Luke to commit to Florida State because I know it's his dream school," Bryan said. "I think he'll have a chance to play there right away. And he is going to be great as our starter next year. He's not afraid of any situation — he'll just go out there and play football. If he makes a mistake, he won't worry about it. He's the type that will come right back and make a big play."

Britt said Kromenhoek is a big-time competitor who should fit in well at FSU in the future, after taking over the reigns of the Cadets offense for the next two seasons.

"I think it was a great decision for Luke," Britt said. "They were the first to offer him and it's a program with a lot of tradition. They have been really good with him, and we all love the coaching staff with Mike Norvell and everything they are doing.

"We're looking forward to having Luke at quarterback next season," Britt said. "He's got the same arm talent that Holden (Geriner) has, but he is also a tough kid who likes to run the ball. We're going to utilize that talent and do some things with him out of the pocket next year."

Champion Cadets: Benedictine closes out a season to remember as Cadets beat Carver-Columbus to win state title

Kromenhoek said he can't wait to get started with BC quarterback coach A.J. DeFilippis and Britt developing an offensive game plan for the defending state champions.

"I've been throwing a lot with our 7-on-7 team (Team Dimes) and I think I'm getting better at reading defenses," Kromenhoek said. "I know the coverages and am watching the safeties to see what routes are going to open up. I'm excited about next season, and excited about committing to play for Florida State."

Dennis Knight covers sports for the Savannah Morning News. Contact him at Dknight@savannahnow.com. Twitter: @DennisKnightSMN

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Benedictine football QB Luke Kromenhoek commits to Florida State