Christian French decides

The top ranked prospect in the state of Iowa has made his college decision. Christian French, a 6-foot-6, 229-pound athlete, announced his choice moments ago in a press conference at Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School.

"The school that I am going to attend next year will be the University of Oregon," French told a room full of reporters, teammates, friends, and family.

The four-star recruit arrived at his decision after making official visits to each of his three finalists - Oregon, Notre Dame, and Iowa - this fall during the season. He also received in-home visits from the head coaches at each school this past week as he got ready to make his choice. In the end, it came down to French's comfort level with the Ducks despite the distance from home.

"I know it's far away from home, but it's going to allow me to grow up and be a man," said French.

French, who is a U.S. Army All-American, chose Oregon over scholarship offers from Iowa, Notre Dame, Texas A&M, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa State, Wisconsin, Kansas, Kansas State, Louisville, Texas Tech, and South Florida.

Rivals.com will have more on French's decision later today, including video from the announcement.