A local high school student is overcoming great odds to stand out, not only in his classroom, but on the football field. That's why 16 year-old Lukas Utz is nominated for a high school Rudy award. The award was inspired by the true story of Daniel Reuttiger and was made famous by the movie 'Rudy' in 1993.

"I've never had two arms, so I don't know the difference," Utz says.

Utz is quite a kid. Not quite 17 years-old and dreaming of going to law school one day, he was born without an ulna bone on his right arm. Therefore, he has no elbow joint and has only three fingers on his hand.

"A lot of times, people ask the question 'Is it weird to have a hand like that?' I wouldn't know, so I can't really say whether it helps me or not. I just like opportunity's like this where I can milk it and take advantage of it a little bit," Utz jokes.

One day not too long ago, Utz's coach Dustin McEwen, saw an email about the High School Rudy Awards. McEwen immediately thought Lukas would be a perfect candidate.

"Luke is such a positive kid," says McEwen. "He raises his teammates up. In the locker room, he's got a light edge. He'll tell a joke and keep things light. Whereas, on the field, he's a fierce competitor."

Lukas plays center on the Cheney High School football team. He even started several games last year. He's definitely not shy when he says he wants to tell others that people with deficiencies can succeed.

"It's a chance to prove myself," Utz said. "My deficiency can't get me down. It's a goal that I've set high for myself, not to mention the fact that it's fun to hit people," Utz said with a chuckle.

Voting continues through January. You can vote for Lukas by clicking on the link below this article.