New Zealand may be a step closer to unearthing its latest NFL product, with Wellington's Finn Rudd earning a scholarship to to the University of California, Davis.
Only taking up gridiron ambitions four years ago, 21-year-old Rudd has quickly made his name as a punt kicker, taking his high school football credentials to a different code.
After teaching himself American football, Rudd moved to Kansas last year to play in the community college system, eventually catching the eye of recruiters for four-year universities.
"If you told me I was going to be doing this three or four years ago, I'd be questioning you," Rudd told 1 NEWS.
"I had to spend a lot of time just researching on the internet and learning how to do it.
"People say it's just kicking a ball but you ask anyone who does it, it's very technical."
Playing in Kansas has seen Rudd earn himself a four-year scholarship to the University of California, Davis, meaning the Kiwi will now ply his trade in Division One - a traditional launching pad towards the NFL.
The Kiwi already has impressed his new coaches.
"The ones who become elite and are really special are guys who have something in themselves," coach Cody Hawkins says. "Burning to be great, and we think Finn has that."
With Christchurch-raised Rhett Ellison calling time on his career at the end of last season, Rudd could find himself as New Zealand's NFL representative sooner rather than later.
SHARE ME