Kristian Welch first heard from Iowa early in the spring. He said he and recruiting coordinator Seth Wallace have built a good relationship since then.

Their conversations never included talk of a scholarship offer, however. And Welch thought nothing of it.

The Wisconsin product welcomed opportunities to prove himself. He accepted one on Sunday when he camped with the Hawkeyes. They offered after it.

"I knew there was a lot of interest and they wanted to continue to get to know me on and off the field as my relationship with Coach Wallace had continued to grow," the Iola-Scandinavia High prospect said.

"They were looking to see how well I could run in the 40 (yard dash) and then just see how tough I am as well as how coachable I am. I really impressed them as they kind of put me through the blender and I was just going to go as hard as I could to show them I can prevail."

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Welch reported running the 40 in 4.52 seconds Sunday.

The Hawkeyes offered him as an athlete, Welch said. He worked mostly at tight end in their camp but also took reps at linebacker.

"It definitely means a lot seeing that it is my first Big Ten offer and I really enjoy Iowa and the relationships that I have gained throughout the recruiting process," he said.

Welch said he still has camps remaining at North Dakota State University and Northern Illinois University. He said he’d also like to visit other campuses this summer.

Welch also reports scholarship offers from Bowling Green, Illinois State, North Dakota, NDSU, South Dakota State, Southern Illinois and Western Illinois.

"I would like to (commit) in October or November but things can change," he said of his timetable.

Welch said he’d likely study Engineering in college. He’s looking to return to Iowa to see that side of the school.

"I’m not sure as of now when I’ll be back there but I am going to try to come back and see the academic buildings and things of that nature," he said.