Notre Dame Football Recruiting: New QB Gunner Kiel Gives Irish Loads of Promise

Since posting 6-6 and 7-6 seasons in 2008 and 2009, respectively, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have slowly moved up the ranks and have now finished two straight seasons at 8-5.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the legendary college football program will now move another strong step in the right direction with top prospect QB Gunner Kiel taking the field in the coming years.

Kiel is arguably the most glorified prospect in the recruiting class, as he is a QB that had much success in his high school career. Kiel attended Columbus East High School in Columbus, Indiana and is the No. 52-ranked recruit in the nation, according to ESPNU.

The 4-star prospect isn't known as a threat to break out of the pocket or throw on the run, yet he is as solid as any QB in the recruiting class with his accuracy and ability to throw the deep ball.

Kiel averaged 240.5 passing yards per contest last season with the Olympians, with 36 touchdowns. In five games, he threw for at least four scores.

Rivals has Kiel as the No. 1 prospect at the QB position as he now heads to Notre Dame, a place where QB play is where the team can certainly improve.

Last season, sophomore Tommy Rees finished with 2,871 yards and 20 touchdowns, yet the Irish nation knows Kiel is capable of these numbers and that much more.

It will interesting to see whether Notre Dame decides to wait a season before putting Kiel on the field. Either way, there is no doubt the talent he possesses will have the Irish improving dramatically offensively in the near future.