Casper Star Tribune

Wyoming may have found its next kicker -- in the Cowboys' backyard.

Natrona County senior Taylor King announced on Friday that he has accepted a preferred walk-on offer from the University of Wyoming.

"I just sat down with my parents and felt comfortable with everything at Wyoming." King said in a release. "I've always dreamed of playing in Laramie, but I kept my options open during recruiting. After going through the process, Wyoming came out on top.

"Wyoming did a good job of staying in contact and emphasizing game performance is what matters most to them in a kicker."

King said he chose the Cowboys' offer about a month ago and over similar offers from Montana, Idaho State and South Dakota State.

King was a unanimous first-team Class 4A All-state selection this past fall for the Mustangs. His long of 49 yards was second-best in the state and he made five more field goals of 40-plus yards on the season. King's 11 made field goals set a new NC school record, and he also had 31 touchbacks to lead 4A in kickoff average.

In July, the Ray Guy ProKicker.com kicking Academy ranked King as the 14th overall kicker for the class of 2012.