WW South’s Jack Olsen commits to Michigan State

Jack Olsen knows the drill when it comes to recruiting for kickers.

It’s basically wait, wait and wait some more.

But the Wheaton-Warrenville South senior, who made history last fall by kicking a state-record eight field goals in a game, has broken the mold again.

Olsen made an oral commitment to Michigan State on Saturday, giving him peace of mind well ahead of his final prep year.

”My goal was always to get it all done before senior season,” Olsen said. “For kickers, that’s not usually how it goes.”

But not much about Olsen’s career has been typical. After setting the IHSA single-game record against Metea Valley in Week 1 last season, he went on to break the single-season mark with 22 field goals in 24 attempts.

Olsen also handled kickoffs and punts for the Tigers, who bounced back from three straight losing seasons to go 10-2 and reach the Class 7A quarterfinals.

He hopes to build on last year’s impressive stats this fall.

”With no wind, I think I could be comfortable (kicking a field goal) from 55 yards in,” he said.

Olsen figures with a tail wind, he could have a shot at matching O’Fallon’s Tucker McCann, who kicked a state-record 60-yarder in 2014.

Having a chance to kick in the Big Ten is good; for Olsen, to do it for the Spartans is better. He grew up watching WW South grad Dan Conroy, who was Michigan State’s No. 1 kicker from 2010-12.

”I became a fan at a young age,” Olsen said.

Right now, Olsen expects to redshirt for one year. After that, “their plan is to use me primarily for field goals.”

Given his history, that’s no surprise.