Former Laois U20 star Ross Bolger has confirmed that he has opted to take a two-year collegiate scholarship with Division One American football university Idaho State.

The Bengals are a charter member of the Big Sky Conference, playing their homes games at the Holt Arena, which is a 12,000 indoor stadium in Pocatello, Idaho.

Speaking to Off The Ball about the move, Bolger said that Idaho State’s faith in him as a potential kicker and punter was a key element in his decision.

"They’re taking me as a punter and as a kicker, which means I can excel in both," said the Killeshin clubman.

"Some other colleges were saying 'we only want you as a punter or a kicker'."

Bolger becomes the latest GAA player to head stateside with hopes of a making a career for himself in American football.

Derry’s Jude McAtamney and David Shanahan of Kerry both obtained scholarships to play American college football in the recent past, while Dublin’s Ben Kiernan has also played as a kicker for the University of North Carolina.

Irish kicker Ross Bolger just received an offer to play D1 college football next year. He can punt with both feet 😳 pic.twitter.com/XrTWAgEIlf

— NFL UK (@NFLUK) June 4, 2023

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