Most players have made their commitments months ago and many have already
signed their letters of intent. One player that will not sign his LOI today is
kicker Phil Welch from Fort Collins HS (Fort Collins, CO). He will be the top
unsigned, uncommitted player in the state.
Welch is currently the #15 ranked kicker in the country by Scout.com and made
several All-America teams this year including 1st team by EA Sports and 2nd team
by the USA Today.
Welch had the best signle season in Colorado high school history. He broke
the single season state record for field goals in a season with 19. He also
kicked 35 in his career. He also broke the state record for points in a season
with 106.
He was 17 of 20 from inside the 50 this year and hit his two other FGs from
beyond 50, hitting from 51 and 56 yards. He was 49 of 52 on PATs with his three
misses being blocks. An amazing 85% of his kickoffs resulted in touchbacks.
Welch was offered grey-shirt opportunites at Colorado State and Wisconsin and
was offered to walk-on by Michigan. At this point, he is going to wait things
out. He says, "The scholarships I have been offered start in January and I've
been told that if a scholarship comes available in the next weeks or before
school starts, then I would be getting a scholarship for the fall as well.
So it make sense for me to wait and see what happens."
He was able to make an official visit to Wisconsin and said, ""After visiting
Wisconsin, I can see why they went 12-1 last year and won a major bowl
game. Everything about their football program and their school is just all
around impressive. I am really excited about Wisconsin."
Regarding CSU, ""I am really fortunate to have these opportunities. We
are CSU season ticket holders and have been going to CSU games for years -- so
they are a natural favorite and it would be great to stay in Colorado."
Here are some clips of Welch in action:
Watch Video
Watch Video
Watch Video
But as of now, Welch will be the top ranked unsigned player in the state of
Colorado. Check back with Scout.com for more on Welch's recruiting.