Nick Gatto, a kicker from Blinn College in Texas, signed a letter of intent Wednesday to play football at Arkansas State University during the 1999 season.

Gatto plans to major in political science and will enroll in January as a junior..

"We are thrilled to have Nick as part of our football team," ASU football coach Joe Hollis said. "He has the qualities of an outstanding kicker and an outstanding student-athlete."

Gatto(6-0, 180) was a two-year starter for Blinn College. He made 8-of-10 field goal attempts and 13-of-15 extra points last season.

Gatto is a second-team All-America selection and a two-time All-Conference selection. He also was named Academic All- Conference in 1997.

Gatto is the son of Sal and Tina Gatto, who live in Spring, Texas.

ASU Sports Informationcontributed to this article.