Hawkeyes offer Kennedy's French a scholarship

The Iowa Hawkeyes have just barely put the finishing touches on their 2010 recruiting class, but they're already hard at work on the 2011 class. Ah, the never-ending recruiting cycle of college football.

Cedar Rapids Kennedy junior Christian French said Tuesday night that Iowa officially offered him a football scholarship last weekend. It's the second offer for French, joining one from the Iowa State Cyclones.

"Yeah, it's exciting," French said.

Iowa assistant coaches Reese Morgan and Erik Campbell were at Kennedy's basketball game against Cedar Rapids Jefferson last Friday night. The 6-foot-6 French is the Cougars' starting center.

He played safety, running back and wide receiver this past season for the Kennedy football team, carrying the ball four times and not catching a pass. He was Kennedy's third-leading tackler.

French said Iowa is looking at him as either a tight end or defensive end.

"I'm just keeping every door open," French said. "I'm not making any decisions right now. I'm just keeping every door open, every opportunity (alive) - basketball and football. Right now, I'm just focused on my basketball season."

French said he has gotten some basketball looks from Division II schools. He is attractive for coaches in both sports because of his size, long arms and ability to run.

He was asked which sport he prefers.

"Right now, it's basketball because it's basketball season," he said with a smile. "I just go season by season. I love them both."