First Offer In

Stephen Brachle was one of the top kickers in the southeast when he graduated from Gulfport High School. Signing day came and went without a major college offer. The talented specialist elected to enroll at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in an effort to boost his stock with college recruiters. It appears that move is now paying off.

Stephen Brauchle profile

"I got a call yesterday and I got my first offer from Florida International," said an excited Brauchle. "It's down in Miami and we're going to set up a visit for me to go down there in December and see the campus and meet the coaches."

FIU is not the only school showing interest in Brauchle.

"I have talked some with Coach (Charlie) Coiner at Tennessee," said Brauchle. "I had the chance to work with him this summer.

"He's talked to me about possibly coming up there as a punter.

"I have spoken to Coach (Steve) Caldwell at Arkansas and Coach (Reed) Stringer at Louisiana."

Brauchle and Gulf Coast are working hard to extend their season.

"We play Co-Lin this week and that's a big game," said Brauchle. "We are hoping to get into the playoffs."