Gunner Kiel: Prized QB Recruit Officially Enrolls at Notre Dame

The reported news of Gunner Kiel's de-commitment from LSU immediately linked him with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Today, according to Bryan Fischer, a college football and recruiting analyst for CBS Sports, the 5-star recruit has officially enrolled with Notre Dame:

Kiel will begin school this winter and is expected to be immediately involved in a quarterback competition that includes Tommy Rees, Andrew Hendrix and Everett Golson.

What It Means

Kiel has officially made up his mind of where to begin his collegiate football career...for now.

The 6'4", 210-pound recruit initially committed to Indiana to play with his brother before changing his mind and committing with the then-undefeated LSU Tigers.

That commitment lasted only a few weeks, and now, he's officially enrolled with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish along with three other players: USC transfer Amir Carlisle and fellow incoming freshmen Sheldon Day and Tee Shepard.

Kiel was quoted in the official Notre Dame press release as saying:

"

There were three critical elements I was looking for in my future school: the quality of education I would receive, the distance from home and the comfort level I would have with the players and coaches in the football program. Notre Dame was the perfect fit for me because it hit all three areas.

"

Why it took two commitments to finalize realize these three things is anyone's guess, but he's now officially taking classes as a Notre Dame student.

He could still opt to sign with a different school since National Signing Day is still two weeks away (and it is technically extended to April 1), but it would cost him his plan to be an early enrollee.

What Happens Next?

Should the freshman quarterback begin taking classes, he will be expected to fully participate in spring practices with the team.

Tommy Rees took over for Brian Kelly's program early in the season, but struggled at times, and Andrew Hendrix also saw some action.

There is obviously no end in sight for the Irish QB controversy now, and Kiel—the best drop-back passer in the 2012 class—could very easily become the opening week starter if he develops.

That all starts with him attending classes and signing his letter of intent, though.

Things could still change, but if Kiel wants to be an early enrollee and have the opportunity to go through spring practices it will be at Notre Dame.

ESPN's Joe Schad reports that coach Kelly spent time with the Kiel family today in South Bend before heading out on the recruiting trail.

They seem to be off to a good start.