Nation's top high school quarterback Gunner Kiel commits to IU

Gunner Kiel is the top-ranked pro-style quarterback in the country for the 2012 recruiting class, according to Rivals.com. And on July 27, he committed to the IU football team while visiting the campus with his family.

Kiel, listed at 6 feet 4 inches and 220 pounds by Rivals, plays for Columbus East High School in Columbus, Ind. Last season, Kiel led the Olympians, coached by Bob Gaddis, to a 9-2 record.

Kiel passed for 2645 total yards last season, an average of 240.5 per game. He had 36 touchdown passes compared to six interceptions.

Gunner Kiel is the younger brother of IU sophomore quarterback Dusty Kiel, who may start this season for the Hoosiers.

Their older brother, Drew, played quarterback for Illinois State; and their uncle, Blair, was a starter for four years at Notre Dame from 1980-83.

Gunner Kiel reportedly chose IU over the University of Alabama. The University of Missouri and University of Oklahoma were also said to be in contention for his commitment, but each has received quarterback commitments of their own in recent weeks.

He is the highest rated quarterback and highest rated recruit overall to commit to IU since Rivals.com began compiling recruiting rankings in 2002.

In addition to Dusty Kiel, IU’s roster also currently boasts fellow Columbus East product Duwyce Wilson, a sophomore wide receiver.

With the commitment of Gunner Kiel, IU’s 2012 recruiting class now has 14 recruits, including five of the state’s top 20 prospective players.

— Max McCombs