Weissenhofer pledges to Cats

Lombard (Ill.) Montini Catholic senior kicker prospect Mason Weissenhofer (6-foot-2, 190 pounds) has accepted a preferred walk-on spot with the Northwestern Wildcats last night.

"Northwestern offered me a preferred walk-on spot and I called them and I committed," Weissenhofer said. "The coaches want me to come in and compete for a spot right away. If I end up doing well they said I could be added as a scholarship player by the following spring."

Weissenhofer, who has 55 yard plus field goal range talked about his decision.

"It was the combination of a chance to come in and earn early playing time along with the amazing academics offered at Northwestern. I've spent a lot of time at Northwestern over the past year or so and I just feel very comfortable there. The coaches are great plus I also get along well with everyone. I like the players and it's just an overall great fit for me. It's a four year decision but it's also a fourty year decision and I'll have a great degree and education that will last me a lifetime"

Weissenhofer, who is also a strong punter considered several other college options before deciding on the Wildcats.

"I was getting a lot of interest from Cal, Purdue and Penn State and those were the main schools showing interest. They all wanted me as a walk-on and that's the usual path for kickers and punters. Most schools want you to come in and earn a spot and a scholarship. I'm ready to go into Northwestern and compete for my place."

Weissenhofer is also excited about this week's Class 5A quarterfinal game at Marian Central Catholic.

"Last week (against rival JCA) was a great win for us but right away we knew we had to get back to work when we saw Marian won. They always play us tough and it should be a great game. We are playing really well and I know we'll be ready."

Mason Weissenhofer is verbally committed to Northwestern.