Talk about your hometown discount.
Gunner Kiel is the nation’s top-rated quarterback in the Class of 2012 according to Rivals.com, and has been offered a scholarship by such programs as Alabama, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Tennessee, USC and Wisconsin. The Columbus, IN, product, however, has decided to stay in-state, and thus given head coach Kevin Wilson his biggest verbal commitment by far since he took over the Indiana program last December.
In a conversation with 24/7 Sports.com ($ link), Kiel confirmed that he has given his non-binding commitment to the Hoosiers. Kiel made his decision today.
“It was just the best fit for me,” Kiel told the website. “I woke up having that gut feeling and felt really good about it and my parents were excited about it too.
“I’m really excited I’m committing to Indiana and I’m ready to get things started, and I’m really glad that it’s over so I can enjoy my senior year and know that I’m going to go somewhere.”
It’s been rumored of late that Kiel had narrowed his myriad choices down to the Hoosiers and the Tide.
In addition to being Rivals’ top-rated pro-style QB, the recruiting service also rates the 6-4, 220-pound Kiel as the No. 19 prospect at any position in the country. As a high school junior, Kiel threw for over 2,700 yards and 36 touchdowns. He also rushed for 600 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2010.