Gunner Kiel opens commitment

Friday, the day Harold Camping predicted as the end of the world, Columbus (Ind.) East quarterback Gunner Kiel opened up his commitment to IU.

Steve Wilfong of 247sports.com reported at about 11 a.m. that Kiel, the top-rated quarterback recruit in the country according to Rivals.com, is not only opening his commitment, but will be making an unofficial visit to Notre Dame this Saturday when the team plays USC. Kiel also told Rivals.com of his recent decision Friday morning.

The 6-foot-4-inch pro-style quarterback had committed to IU on July 27 after months of speculation. He had also considered Alabama, Missouri, Oklahoma and Notre Dame, among others.

Kiel was IU’s class of 2012’s 13th commit. He is the state’s top prospect and was said to be the highest profiled prospect to IU since Dave Schnell, Elkhart (Ind.) Central quarterback, committed to the program in 1985.

Without Kiel in the 2012 recruiting class, the highest rated players committed to IU are wide receiver Kevin Davis from Warren Central High School in Indianapolis, Ind. and defensive end Nick Mangieri from Dunlap High School in Dunlap, Ill. They are both three-star recruits.

Kiel’s brother Dusty has started two games for IU this season, completing 39 of 82 passes for 427 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Kiel suffered an ankle injury against Illinois, sat out last week and is likely to sit out this Saturday against Iowa.

The playoffs start tonight for the younger Kiel and his Columbus East (8-1) teammates as they take on Shelbyville (Ind.) (1-8).