LaNorris Sellers’ concussion during South Carolina’s 2025 season opener against Vanderbilt was a pivotal moment that thrust backup Luke Doty into the spotlight. The sixth-year senior had been waiting patiently for his chance. Doty’s résumé includes nine career starts and versatility, having played receiver and special teams as well. When Sellers went down, Doty was called upon to steer the offense. He completed 18 of 27 passes for 148 yards but struggled with turnovers late, including an interception and a fumble. But who exactly is Luke Doty?
Luke Doty is like the Swiss Army knife of South Carolina football. Signed as the sixth-ranked dual-threat quarterback in the 2020 recruiting class. Going into the 2025 season, Doty is the veteran voice behind the star QB LaNorris Sellers. Coach Shane Beamer openly praises him as a “really good football player.” But what fueled that competitive fire and versatility? Luke Doty’s athletic pedigree runs deep in his family.
Who are Luke Doty’s parents?
Luke’s love for football and tenacity on the field come from a family that’s been deeply connected to sports for generations. His parents, Bobby and Melanie Doty, both played college sports at Erskine College. His dad was a basketball player, and his mom competed in cross country. Growing up in Myrtle Beach, SC, Luke was surrounded by that athletic spirit and competitive mindset. Their experience in college sports gave them insight into what it takes to succeed on and off the field, which translated into a supportive atmosphere for Luke’s multi-role career at South Carolina.
However, Luke Doty is no stranger to overcoming adversity. And that grit has defined much of his college football journey. “During the hurricane, we were out for two weeks, so he pulled together little practices all during that time,” said Melanie Doty. “The coaches couldn’t be present, but as soon as roads were open and kids were back from evacuation, the boys started getting back together. They went and worked in soup kitchens as a team. He did so many things going through high school that nobody saw.”
Who is Luke Doty’s father?
Bobby Doty was a college athlete at Erskine College. He played basketball there. Bobby also grew up in Myrtle Beach. He met his wife, Melanie, while in college. And eventually made his way back to the coast. That place? It’s left a mark on his son, too. “I love this place, man,” Luke said. “I’ll always be a beach boy, that’s for sure. It’s gonna be a lot of fun moving to Columbia, you know, kind of making that my new home, but Myrtle Beach always has a special place in my heart, as a community, as a football program, high school, all that stuff.”
And Bobby remembers his son standing out early. You know, like, bigger, faster, just built differently. By age 3, he was already doing things other kids on the playground wouldn’t even try, flipping around the monkey bars like it was nothing. “Luke was a very active kid,” Bobby Doty wrote. “He always wanted to be outside playing or if forced inside, loved to build Legos, Hot Wheels tracks, etc.”
Who is Luke Doty’s mother?
Melanie Doty passed on some speed to Luke. She ran cross country at Erskine College. Luke’s mom is from Greenwood, which is just a short drive from Erskine and about halfway between Anderson and Columbia. So in a way, moving away from where his dad grew up brings him a little closer to his mom’s roots and the family still living there.
“The distance part, two and a half hours off the road,” Luke said. “It’s pretty great. My parents can come see me for games on the weekends. If I ever need anything there, only two and a half hours away. So it makes it pretty easy for them. But there’s also, you know, some space for me to have my own time and stuff like that.”
Plus, Melanie has always been a major force behind Luke’s success, especially when it comes to academics. “She’s always stressed academics and stuff,” Luke said. “We [are] not able to do anything, go out in the field, go out, hang out with friends, or anything before our schoolwork is done. So I’m pretty thankful for that. She’s (been) that in my head, so I’ll be ready for college.”
What are Luke Doty’s parents’ ethnicity and nationality?
Luke Doty’s family roots run deep in the American South. It reflects a blend of Southern culture and strong family traditions that have shaped Luke into the athlete and person he is today. Bobby Doty hails from South Carolina and grew up immersed in the region’s sports culture. On the other hand, Melanie Doty comes from Greenwood, South Carolina, which is just a short drive from where her husband grew up. But Luke Doty’s family shares more than just Southern roots and athletic talent. They also have a deep love for Star Wars.
This shared passion for the iconic sci-fi series is a bond that brings them together off the field and outside of sports. The Dotys eased into it. That final semester, before moving away, Luke wrapped up his time at home doing something the whole family loved: diving back into a childhood favorite together.
“We’re catching up on Star Wars,” Doty said just before signing. “We’ve seen every single episode and watch all the movies and stuff. So Disney+ came out, and we got right into it. We’re going back and rewatching from the start. It’s been pretty fun just kind of going back and kind of reliving those moments.”