MADISON, Wis. -- Kyle French lost more than his starting kicking job when he missed a 38-yard field goal wide left against Northwestern last week. Apparently, he also will lose his scholarship.
French, a redshirt junior from Menomonee Falls, Wis., posted on his Facebook page Thursday night that he would not be back with the team for his senior season.
"I want to personally thank everyone who has supported me throughout my career in football," French wrote. "The coaches have asked me to forgo my senior season and focus on my career outside of football after this season. It has been a great ride, a time I'll never forget and I'm excited for what is to come."
French followed up his Facebook post with a tweet Friday that read: "Thanks for all of the support. It was a mutual agreement that is best for everyone."
French has struggled to maintain control of his starting kicking duties for the past two seasons, and his inconsistency has tested the patience of the Badgers' new coaching staff. He lost his role as the team's kickoff man to freshman Andrew Endicott earlier this season. And last Saturday, sophomore Jack Russell replaced him for extra points following French's field-goal miss.
Wisconsin coach Gary Andersen announced Russell would be the team's starter moving forward on field goals and extra points. He said Thursday that linebacker Chris Borland would be called upon for field goals tries of 45 yards or longer.
In his career, French has hit 18 of 29 field-goal attempts. He is 5-for-8 this season.
According to Wisconsin, French will have completed his undergraduate work before the fall. French is a double major in personal finance and economics.
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