Notre Dame Football Recruiting: Gunner Kiel Shouldn't Play in First Year

Gunner Kiel's commitment-hopping has subjected him to more than enough scrutiny. Brian Kelly must ensure that Kiel isn't subjected to any more. Kiel has tons of pressure on him—some of it is self-inflicted, but it's pressure all the same.

First, he's talented. That is what this entire saga is based on to begin with. Some publications call him the best pro-style QB prospect coming out of high school this year. That scouting analysis began the Kiel sweepstakes, and there have been three winners since.

He first chose his hometown Indiana Hoosiers, then reneged and chose LSU. Still not done with the flip-flopping, Kiel seems to have finally settled on the Irish. However, some will certainly criticize his indecision.

Second, some may criticize him for what appears to be a mother who was very active in his school choice. Deadspin.com describes her influence as an emotional plea for Kiel to stay near home.

I am certainly all for taking care of your mother, but just imagine how the momma's boy taunts would rain down on Kiel if this were the case.

This is probably why Kiel's dad, Kip, tried to dispel that rumor by saying it was really Gunner's decision. Clarification aside, that was the initial image projected of Kiel, and whether it's true or not, critics will jump on this with both feet.

Third, it is difficult for any true freshman to step in and be effective in year one. Jimmy Clausen struggled and was benched as a year-one starter in South Bend, and last year's top rated pro-style QB, Jeff Driskell, threw two INTs and no TDs in limited action.

A player as highly touted as Kiel will carry mammoth expectations to perform. That is a lot to put on the shoulders of a kid fresh from high school, even if he is compared to Peyton Manning by rivals.com.

Lastly, this is Notre Dame—NBC Sports, high-profile schedule, high-profile everything. This is an environment where critics will be quick to write you up as the best thing since sliced bread or just another gold-armed QB that fizzled out.

Notre Dame has Tommy Rees and Andrew Hendrix to start and/or play at QB this season. Rees played well in spots last year, and Hendrix is a good-looking prospect and redshirt sophomore. They don't have to play Kiel in 2012.

It will be better for his long-term development if they hold him out until his sophomore year. 

Kiel is talented enough to make a huge splash at Notre Dame from day one, but there is also great reason to believe this could all be too much too soon. Kelly must hold him back, because it simply isn't worth the risk.

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