Gunner Kiel Makes Smart Decision in Transferring to Cincinnati

Gunner Kiel has reportedly transferred from Notre Dame to Cincinnati.

According to Joe Schad of ESPN.com, Kiel made the switch on Wednesday:

This is an excellent decision for Kiel, as he'll be able to compete for the starting quarterback position in 2014.

As written by Tom Groeschen of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Kiel's addition will come in handy for the Bearcats after the 2013 campaign:

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Kiel would become eligible at UC in 2014. UC will lose its top two quarterbacks, seniors Brendon Kay and Munchie Legaux, following the 2013 season. Bennie Coney, a highly regarded redshirt freshman quarterback, should be the top competition for Kiel.

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While at Notre Dame, Kiel never saw the field with Everett Golson starting and Tommy Rees acting in relief from coach Brian Kelly's bullpen. Considering Golson's development throughout the 2012 season, Kiel's best chance to see the field would be elsewhere.

Fortunately, the Bearcats are not too far away from South Bend and Kiel's talent will be helpful.

After all, he was ranked the No. 1 quarterback recruiting prospect on Scout.com and Rivals.com entering 2012. Possessing good size at 6'4", 210 pounds, Kiel has the pocket patience, footwork and mobility to survey between the tackles and buy time when needed.

He also has impressive mechanics to build from and a strong arm. If anything, a quicker release and more consistent decision-making are required. That, however, will come through development as well.

Expect that development to come quickly also, because Kiel will be playing for a well-established coach in Tommy Tuberville. In addition, Schad reported Tuberville will implement a pro-style offense:

Given his already sound quarterbacking tangibles and we'll see Kiel immediately lead Cincinnati when under center. The Bearcats provide much potential from their rushing attack in Ralph Abernathy who averaged 5.3 yards per attempt last season.

Include the No. 52 ranked recruiting class, per Scout.com, for 2013 and Tuberville will only draw more interest before Kiel's opportunity rolls around in 2014. By then, the Bearcats will be rolling and he'll just have to hop on board and take over.