Per Joe Schad, Cincinnati Wins Contest For Former 5-Star Quarterback Gunner Kiel

This monumental news was broken just minutes ago by ESPN’s Joe Schad:

If you don’t follow college football recruiting, Gunner Kiel was a top-rated quarterback in the class of 2012 who ultimately committed to Notre Dame after flirting with Indiana and LSU. After riding the pine for the Irish his freshman season, the young quarterback eventually sought to leave South Bend. He made the rounds across the schools in the Midwest visiting such programs as Ball State, Miami (OH), and Cincinnati. But the Bearcats won out.

As I’ve mentioned, I have some reservations about bringing Kiel in. On one hand, his upside is enormous and his ability to add competition to the quarterback position can’t be emphasized enough. On the other, Kiel’s handling of his recruitment makes me question just what’s going on with the young man between the ears. However, I’ll temper by concern and place my trust in Tuberville and his coaching staff to keep him focused on his role at UC.

Based on standard NCAA rules on player transfers, Kiel will have to sit out the 2013 season. No worries. Senior Brendon Kay has the starting quarterback position on lockdown anyways and it will take time for Kiel to learn offensive coordinator Eddie Gran’s system. But by 2014 expect there to be a heated battle for the starting job between Bennie Coney, Gunner Kiel, and potentially Trenton Norvell. That competition will only make these three all the better and the position as a whole stronger.