Notre Dame Football Recruiting: Gunner Kiel Would Prove Irish Are Back on Track

The Fighting Irish are still very much fighting after all these years. 

The most lauded and easily recognizable program in college football history has had a rough go of it the past couple of decades. That may all change with news that top quarterback recruit Gunner Kiel is flirting with a move to South Bend. 

CBS Sports' Bruce Feldman tweeted news that will be received with exuberant celebration at Notre Dame and shrieks of horror by LSU faithful. 

Kiel had given his word to LSU a couple of weeks ago that he would be their next star. It seems that the young man has had a change of heart, and there is no telling if the 21-0 drubbing LSU received in the BCS title game at the hands of Alabama had anything to do with it. 

This news comes on the heals of Gunner's big brother Dusty leaving Indiana. Some think Gunner may be eyeing a home where his brother finally lands. 

Speculation and rumor is running rampant with one clear leader in the fight to land the prized prospect, and that is Notre Dame. 

The Irish used to be good for a national championship every decade. Yet, they have not won one since Lou Holtz was at the helm in 1988. 

More than that, Notre Dame has lost the prestige and cache they used to have from potential students. Star high school players would flock to Notre Dame with the hopes to one day run out onto the famed field in Notre Dame stadium. 

While head coach Brian Kelly's tenure has been a roller coaster, it is quite evident that the program is headed in the right direction after his team nearly beat Florida State in the Champs Sports Bowl. 

The Irish had an underrated defense that could hold their own this year. Now, all they need is a consistent star under center. 

Kiel would be more than that for Notre Dame. He would prove that the Irish can still garner a top-shelf prospect in an age that is dominated by SEC teams. 

The quarterback's decision is still up in the air, but it can turn the tide on what many think about Notre Dame. Whether the Irish can one day lift another championship may rest in their ability to grab the best arm out there. 

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