KAUKAUNA — Kaukauna high school junior football player Mitch Verstegen is getting interest from a growing number of NCAA Division 1 schools, including one in the Big 10 Conference this past week.

Verstegen, a 6′-4″, 300-pound offensive lineman was a unanimous first-team all-Fox Valley Association conference selection last fall after helping lead the Ghosts to a state-semifinal playoff appearance.

On Saturday, Verstegen announced on Twitter that he had received an offer to play at Indiana of the Big 10 Conference.

Indiana’s new offensive line coach and run game coordinator, Bob Bostad, likely was already familiar with Verstegan.

Bostad joined the Hoosiers over the winter after being the offensive line coach for Wisconsin under former head coach Paul Chryst. Verstegen also has visited Wisconsin rival Minnesota as well as Notre Dame.

Verstegen also was invited to watch the Badgers last week during spring practice as new Head Coach Luke Fickell begins his rebuild of the team.

Verstegen received his first Division 1 offer from South Dakota State, the 2022 FCS National Champions.



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By Dan Plutchak

Dan Plutchak, born and raised in Kaukauna, is cofounder of Kaukauna Community News.