'12 IN QB Gunner Kiel (Cincinnati Transfer)

[RyCo1983]

In response to the Toledo comments....
If he goes to the MAC...I'm an NIU guy.

 

[PraetorianND]

That's the only thing I took from all of that news. What a team player. As much as I dislike seeing him start at QB, he's a tremendous teammate and a reliable guy. Stud.

I hope Tommy comes on as a grad assistant.

 

[Grahambo]

In the name of BeauBenken, I hope he goes to Ball State.

Actually, with Brian Hardin over at Ball State now, that could be a possibility.

 

[IrishLion]

Per TV, Gunner told BK he wasn't happy at ND, after some questions Gunner said he wanted to be at a school where a a senior was the starting qb, not sophomore. He then cleaned out his locker.

Kelly also told Rees that he already knew what Rees brought to team, so Gunner was going to get more work in the spring to showcase his talent more. Tommy had no problems with that.

Sapp also mentioned that anything can happen at this point, including a tidbit about Chris Stewart going through a similar scenario, but at this point Gunner isn't expected at spring outside.

Thinking about the bolded part, and having heard UC thrown around, UC makes sense for what he wants. Kay got a 6th year and will probably be UC's starting QB next year, but he will compete with Legeaux, who is also a senior. Gunner could go to UC, sit for a year, and then have the inside track to the starting job as soon as he's eligible. Pretty close to home for him I think, as well.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

I'm beginning to believe the theory Gunner really wanted to go to LSU, and mom pulled the waterworks card and in turn his strings to stay closer to home may be true. This kid has too many influences telling him what to do (as everyone), but doesn't seem to have the fortitude yet to carve his own path. I feel bad for him.

 

[NDohio]

Tommy Reese will be the head coach at Notre Dame someday.

 

[Ironman8]

Tommy Reese will be the head coach at Notre Dame someday.

What about our current QB, Tommy Rees?

 

[Fbolt]

Yup. Maybe those Les Miles comments are looking more credible than just sour grapes. Definitely sounds like the heir apparent did not get what he wanted.

I understand your comment, but really...? He's just a young kid.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Didn't he just have a birthday?

Seriously guys, isn't Romeo Okwara like two years younger than Gunner? I have never heard Romeo bitch once, about anything; never be anything but all in. So there is a line here. It may be a fine line, and we should tread with caution, but a line none the less.

 

[Cackalacky]

I understand your comment, but really...? He's just a young kid.

Sure he is and he can't make up his mind on whether he wants to play football at ND or somewhere else. We lamblast other kids for doing the same thing at other schools and somehow this is different? I hope for the best for him. But I am observing a pattern.......and it started around the time he committed to Indiana. Everyone around here was all laughing at Les Miles and his comments....just another example of how none of us know **** about what is going on..... Really.

 

[TheTurningPoint]

I think a lot of kids have different priorities as many adults have priorities than their co-workers. Whether its getting on spteams, being a backup, starting, all american, nfl, first round pick, etc...each kid has a different objective. When individuals start to put their own priorities over just winning football games, or over the team that is where things start to get iffy. I am not saying that is 100% the situation with Kiel. But its hard to not say the kid doesnt have aspirations of playing the nfl, and I think he feels that being 1 play away isnt good enough for him to showcase his talents. A lot of times these kids don't see the big picture aka the 40 year decision to its fullest, but I know for a fact Brad Carrico, Cam Roberson, Tate Nichols are pissed as hell they arent going to play another snap in their life, but know that they are set for life bc of the opportunities ND has given them. In Gunners case, I feel that his recruitment wasn't handled very well and its not really his fault. Thats just the name of recruiting these days. Some kids handle it all and make their own choices and decisions, while others have people make decisions for them and they follow them bc they dont know any better. I think that Gunner Kiel is a smart kid, has some talent, and would have been a nice piece to the puzzle, but you'd be a fool to think Kelly cant get a replacement much less get Zaire up to speed, or Rees ready if that were the case. Make no mistake this is Mr. Golsons team and I'll leave you with this.............Everyone has been wanting a solid qb, a leader, a dynamic playmaker at QB for years. Clausen had it but the defense let him down. We have the defense. And we have the QB. Some have said last year we have got the Natty bc of the defense, and not so much Golson. I would say that Golson was a HUGE part in last years success, and more than some think. The kid has 3 years left, and is only going to get better. Remember he was a first time starter, and he got better each week. As bad as ND played in the title game, Golson didnt look lost or uncomfortable out there. That speaks volumes as far as his personal development and the staffs development with him.

 

[Irish#1]

Gunner played in a spread offense in hs. He's athletic, mobile, and will beat you with his feet... Not really sure where you're getting he's a pro style qb from

Zaire played 3 years of a heavy run, wing T type of offense I believe. Only in his sr year did his coach open up the playbook to incorporate more passing
..................

Amazing how gunner was a perfect fit when we recruited him, not so great when he favored LSU, the apparent heir when he came into camp, and now back to he brings nothing to the table.

He did play in a spread at CE, and he has some mobility, but he shouldn't be compared to EG or MZ. He's not going to beat you with his feet like those two.

 

[Irish#1]

Sure he is and he can't make up his mind on whether he wants to play football at ND or somewhere else. We lamblast other kids for doing the same thing at other schools and somehow this is different? I hope for the best for him. But I am observing a pattern.......and it started around the time he committed to Indiana. Everyone around here was all laughing at Les Miles and his comments....just another example of how none of us know **** about what is going on..... Really.

He changed his mind about IU after Wilson came in and pissed off about half the team. My assumption is his brother was in the half that was upset with Wilson and that influenced Gunner to look around.

 

[ThePiombino]

I think a lot of kids have different priorities as many adults have priorities than their co-workers. Whether its getting on spteams, being a backup, starting, all american, nfl, first round pick, etc...each kid has a different objective. When individuals start to put their own priorities over just winning football games, or over the team that is where things start to get iffy. I am not saying that is 100% the situation with Kiel. But its hard to not say the kid doesnt have aspirations of playing the nfl, and I think he feels that being 1 play away isnt good enough for him to showcase his talents. A lot of times these kids don't see the big picture aka the 40 year decision to its fullest, but I know for a fact Brad Carrico, Cam Roberson, Tate Nichols are pissed as hell they arent going to play another snap in their life, but know that they are set for life bc of the opportunities ND has given them. In Gunners case, I feel that his recruitment wasn't handled very well and its not really his fault. Thats just the name of recruiting these days. Some kids handle it all and make their own choices and decisions, while others have people make decisions for them and they follow them bc they dont know any better. I think that Gunner Kiel is a smart kid, has some talent, and would have been a nice piece to the puzzle, but you'd be a fool to think Kelly cant get a replacement much less get Zaire up to speed, or Rees ready if that were the case. Make no mistake this is Mr. Golsons team and I'll leave you with this.............Everyone has been wanting a solid qb, a leader, a dynamic playmaker at QB for years. Clausen had it but the defense let him down. We have the defense. And we have the QB. Some have said last year we have got the Natty bc of the defense, and not so much Golson. I would say that Golson was a HUGE part in last years success, and more than some think. The kid has 3 years left, and is only going to get better. Remember he was a first time starter, and he got better each week. As bad as ND played in the title game, Golson didnt look lost or uncomfortable out there. That speaks volumes as far as his personal development and the staffs development with him.

Couldn't agree with you more on the bolded.

 

[IrishJayhawk]

Sure he is and he can't make up his mind on whether he wants to play football at ND or somewhere else. We lamblast other kids for doing the same thing at other schools and somehow this is different? I hope for the best for him. But I am observing a pattern.......and it started around the time he committed to Indiana. Everyone around here was all laughing at Les Miles and his comments....just another example of how none of us know **** about what is going on..... Really.

You're right about that. I would argue that we're wrong to rip all of these kids.

 

[JughedJones]

I would love if he stays to keep the competition level high and he seems like an incredible talent.

But, Malik wants to be here bad and will do a great job pushing EG as well.

If Gunner wants to leave, just rip the bandaid off.

 

[Fbolt]

I would argue that I always attempt (if not do give) to give kids the benefit of the doubt. We is not me. I do agree that the board does slam kids.

 

[BeauBenken]

Tommy Reese will be the head coach at Notre Dame someday.

That's not how you spell my name...

 

[NDohio]

What about our current QB, Tommy Rees?

CRAP!! And I hate it when other people do it and I went and did it. UGH!

 

[dublinirish]

were you eating peanut flavoured chocolate at the time?

 

[NDBoiler]

were you eating peanut flavoured chocolate at the time?

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[NDohio]

were you eating peanut flavoured chocolate at the time?

You got your chocolate on my peanut butter!

 

[NDinL.A.]

For me, I just can't get past the fact that he didn't want to stay and play in the spring (as it stands right now at least). Why the hell not????? You're on campus anyway, you can't play anywhere else because they've almost all started their spring ball already...so why not stay and get coached and get better?

That's the part that bugs me the most about this whole situation. I get that he wants to play and showcase his skills (who wants to sit on the bench for 3 years?)...but i can't get with the fact that he doesn't even want to take the opportunity to compete with Golson and get better as a player while he's at it, and then have the opportunity to ball out in the Spring Game. I just can't get with that. I've heard every explanation and possible rationalization, and it just doesn't fly with me.

Stay and compete and get better in the spring, and then assess the situation and transfer if necessary...

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

In the name of BeauBenken, I hope he goes to Ball State.

Actually, with Brian Hardin over at Ball State now, that could be a possibility.

I don't think Brian Hardin being at BSU has any impact on his decision. Playing time, proximity to home, and friends at BSU would be much greater factors in his decision. Hardin was just the SID at ND, not an assistant coach.

 

[Irish Houstonian]

For me, I just can't get past the fact that he didn't want to stay and play in the spring (as it stands right now at least). Why the hell not????? You're on campus anyway, you can't play anywhere else because they've almost all started their spring ball already...so why not stay and get coached and get better?

That's the part that bugs me the most about this whole situation. I get that he wants to play and showcase his skills (who wants to sit on the bench for 3 years?)...but i can't get with the fact that he doesn't even want to take the opportunity to compete with Golson and get better as a player while he's at it, and then have the opportunity to ball out in the Spring Game. I just can't get with that. I've heard every explanation and possible rationalization, and it just doesn't fly with me.

Stay and compete and get better in the spring, and then assess the situation and transfer if necessary...

I agree, and the lack of rationality in the timing makes you wonder whether some degree of spite is behind the move.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

The one thing that never gets talked about in these threads is mojo.

Seriously, if you look at it, past the tangible, physical talents a young QB brings, there are some important intangibles, that always add the letters required to spell the difference between potential, and actual.

Unlike any other position, except Manti, (Manti as a defensive captain not a certain position) a quarterback's intangibles totally affect the teams bottom line. Will this guy with all the skills take charge of the offense? The team? Will the teams character shape around him? Will he technically thrive yet come up short on the final play? Will he be a team player and inspire that selflessness in others?

In this digital world, we forget that life is analog. There are an infinite number of frequencies or combinations. A lot of you point to Jimmy Clausen. He could bring that offense back and score like nobody's business; but from everything I ever heard or saw, he was never out for anything more than himself. And that is how Charlie's later teams looked. Every talented man for himself.

With Everett, we have a baller with some unique physical talents. We also have a more selfless player who appears to have a thirst for winning and a humility and selflessness that will inspire teamwork in others.

With Malik Zaire, we have pay-dirt. Skills and selfless leader with amazing maturity. I had a chance to speak briefly with a Marine Officer Recruiter who met with Malik at the Semper Fi Bowl. The whole mother green is drooling over Malik. His character and personality is legend with them. That should tell you all everything.

But with Gunner, a kid with the skills, who fell off in the Elite 11, where Malik thrived the next year, all we have to go on is his actions. Comment can be made, and is deserved. It just doesn't need to be criticism. It can and is best in question form. With everything we know, if we were a player at Notre Dame, would we be comfortable with Gunner leading us or would we prefer someone else?

 

[irishpat183]

Good riddance Gunner. May you find out that no matter where you go, you must work hard and compete to win a starting job....

I don't mind being critical in this sitution (we do it all the time to kids at other schools). He's another Anzalone. But worse. Gunner has prima-donna written all over him.

I've heard on here, enough to make someone crazy, that "we need guys that WANT to be here"...Well, Gunner doesn't.


BYE.

 

[kmoose]

For me, I just can't get past the fact that he didn't want to stay and play in the spring (as it stands right now at least). Why the hell not????? You're on campus anyway, you can't play anywhere else because they've almost all started their spring ball already...so why not stay and get coached and get better?

That's the part that bugs me the most about this whole situation. I get that he wants to play and showcase his skills (who wants to sit on the bench for 3 years?)...but i can't get with the fact that he doesn't even want to take the opportunity to compete with Golson and get better as a player while he's at it, and then have the opportunity to ball out in the Spring Game. I just can't get with that. I've heard every explanation and possible rationalization, and it just doesn't fly with me.

Stay and compete and get better in the spring, and then assess the situation and transfer if necessary...

I'm, of course, completely speculating here. But maybe Camp Kelly is not to his liking, and he doesn't want to go through it? We know, from Kelly's relationship with Rees, that Coach can be hard on guys. Maybe the common perception out there, about Kiel being a bit "soft", is true. Or maybe he just didn't want to have to put the effort in, in the classroom. I can think of a half dozen reasons why he would want out immediately. Not all of them good, but I can think of them anyway.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

For me, I just can't get past the fact that he didn't want to stay and play in the spring (as it stands right now at least). Why the hell not????? You're on campus anyway, you can't play anywhere else because they've almost all started their spring ball already...so why not stay and get coached and get better?

That's the part that bugs me the most about this whole situation. I get that he wants to play and showcase his skills (who wants to sit on the bench for 3 years?)...but i can't get with the fact that he doesn't even want to take the opportunity to compete with Golson and get better as a player while he's at it, and then have the opportunity to ball out in the Spring Game. I just can't get with that. I've heard every explanation and possible rationalization, and it just doesn't fly with me.

Stay and compete and get better in the spring, and then assess the situation and transfer if necessary...

My thoughts exactly. I hate to bring up the "chest" comment, but perhaps Miles was on to something. You can't just expect things to be handed to you. All of these kids were rock stars in high school. The ones that thrive at the next level are the ones who basically hit the reset button, realize they're the rookies, realize they need to work extra hard to learn and get better, and then take advantage of any opportunity when it comes their way. The ones that come in with entitlement and this 'I before team' demeanor will get left behind.

I agree w/ LA. Gunner not practicing and trying to get better in the spring (when he wouldn't be able to practice anywhere else) is mind boggling and tells me all I need to know. If he wants a starting job to fall in his lap w/o working extra hard to get it, that's his choice. I won't wish any ill-will on him. I hope he succeeds wherever he goes. But I will say that he's not the kind of QB I want playing at ND. BK wiped his hands of the entitlement/pampering on day one. If you can't get on board with that, don't come to ND for football. The new motto: We make men, we don't powder tushies. haha

 

[koonja]

Just guessing, but with a transfer inevitable, maybe bk doesn't want him around the team for spring. Or maybe Keil is embarrassed that he's transferring and doesn't want to get the cold shoulder or guilt at spring.