First offer is in for Midwest kicker

Menomonee Falls, Wis. kicker Kyle French picked up his first scholarship earlier this week. The offer for the 6-foot-2, 180-pounder came from the Big Ten.

"I got an offer from Wisconsin, that's my first offer," he said. "I think it's an awesome opportunity. They are in my backyard. I've been up there a lot of times and the coaches know me by name. Every time I go up there, the coaches are real excited for me to be there. I like the facilities and my brother goes there."

French clearly is familiar with the Badgers. Is he considering a decision?

"I'm not going to commit," he said. "They told me I can take my time and I'm going to still look at other schools.

"I'm hearing from Vanderbilt, Purdue and Northern Illinois. Northern Illinois said if they offer it'd be sometime this season. Wyoming mentioned they most likely will offer real soon."

What's French's situation with Vanderbilt and Purdue?

"Vanderbilt said they are looking for a kicker, but they aren't going to start offering until halfway through the season," he said. "They want to see how the kickers do by then.

"Every time I go to Purdue they say they'd love to offer me, but it's up to Coach Hope to decide if they'll pick up a kicker this year."

With one offer in and interest building, does French have any favorites?

"It's too hard to say," he said. "Obviously Wisconsin is No. 1 since they have a scholarship offer out, but it just depends what happens with other offers and interest. I probably will visit Wisconsin sometime for an official."