What happens when a quarterback with 15,000 high school passing yards faces injury after injury but refuses to quit? Luca Stanzani's football journey exemplifies resilience in the face of continuous setbacks.

From his humble beginnings with the Clearwater Tornadoes at age six to starring at Clearwater Academy International—a school that transformed from a six-man program into an international football powerhouse—Luca's path has been anything but conventional. He shares the moment his quarterback career began with a casual spiral thrown during a water break that caught his coach's attention, leading to an extraordinary high school career where he amassed over 15,000 passing yards, placing him second all-time in Florida high school football history.

The recruiting process revealed college football's harsh business realities. Despite verbal offers from programs including Southern Miss and USF, Luca experienced the difference between genuine interest and empty promises. His potential scholarship at Charlotte disappeared at the last minute due to another player's injury situation and roster management issues—a gutting experience that left him scrambling for options. When Long Island University offered a scholarship, it represented not just an opportunity to play but a chance to prove himself.

His freshman campaign showed tremendous promise, throwing for nearly 1,200 yards with 15-16 touchdowns in just four games. But his momentum was derailed by a dislocated shoulder and torn labrum during his sophomore year, leading to surgery and a grueling rehabilitation process. Now approaching his senior season and fully recovered, Luca is battling to reclaim his starting role with renewed determination.

Ready to see this comeback story unfold? Follow Luca and LIU as they prepare to open their season against Florida in The Swamp. His journey reminds us that setbacks often create the foundation for our greatest comebacks.