Not too late at all. You have a long road ahead of you though just as a warning.Is it too late to start playing this or does everyone know every inch of all the maps? I've only ever really played COD4 and COD:BO online but fancy having a go!
Firstly getting your rank to 3, once you are at 3 you'll be able to play in the competitive part. That shouldn't take longer than 10 hours or so I guess.
The next is getting to rank 21, you'll then be able to link your phone for prime match making (a lot less cheaters)
That would be about 200hrs of gameplay
We do have the ocuk server which is good as we can all play together and rank means nothing. Would be usefull for you to join some games. We can all give hints and tips and give you the lowdown on maps etc.
Watch YouTube videos. I suggest warowl and 3kliksphillip they do some good guides.