Kaukauna's Mitch Verstegen, far left, after the Ghosts' level 2 win in the 2022 playoffs. Photo by Kevin Doszak. See more at kdoszakphotos.zenfoliosite.com

KAUKAUNA — Kaukauna high school junior football player Mitch Verstegen announced today he plans to attend Indiana University after graduation in 2024 and play for the Hoosiers football team.

Verstegen, who received an offer from Indiana after a visit last month, announced his decision Tuesday morning on Twitter.

In his announcement, he thanked his parents, Kaukauna Head Football Coach Matt Binsfeld, the Indiana coaching staff and others.

“I am extremely excited to be a Indiana Hoosier,” he wrote.

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.

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 month during spring practice as new Head Coach Luke Fickell begins his rebuild of the team, but decided to make is decision this week.

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

Verstegen still has his senior football season ahead of him this fall with the Kaukauna Galloping Ghosts.



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By Dan Plutchak

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