College Football Recruiting (2012 Class) Discussion

[cody8200]

Biggest signing for my football Hoosiers - ever. I still can't believe we won him over. Maybe his girlfriend is going to IU?

[Julio Riddols]

WOOOOOO!!!!!!! Wonder if this might draw other players to IU..

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by cody8200

Biggest signing for my football Hoosiers - ever. I still can't believe we won him over. Maybe his girlfriend is going to IU?

I think his brothers being there was a BIG draw.

Nice article. Gotta love this kid: Gunner Kiel says he believes in IU | The Hoosier Scoop

Gunner Kiel says he believes in IU

Wednesday, July 27, 2011 - 9:23 pm EDT

Gunner Kiel woke up Wednesday morning and decided it was time.

The Columbus East quarterback had the opportunity to go to any school he wanted to. Ranked the No. 1 pro-style quarterback in the country by several outlets, he had scholarship offers from just about every powerhouse in college football, including Alabama, Oklahoma, and Notre Dame.

But instead, Kiel decided he wanted to stay close to home and play with his older brother Dusty, a redshirt sophomore quarterback at Indiana. He took a visit to Indiana on Wednesday and told new coach Kevin Wilson that he was verbally committing to be a Hoosier. It was considered by several recruiting analysts to be a historic recruiting upset for the long-suffering Hoosiers, and it gives Wilson a landmark victory more than a month before his first game as head coach.

“I kind of had the decision made before,” Kiel said on Wednesday evening. “I just wanted to kind of keep it low key and let it play out. Whenever I woke up, I just thought, ‘This feels good.’ I felt extremely good about my situation. And I just thought, ‘I’m ready to commit right now.”

He said he went to Memorial Stadium to watch workouts and to meet with Wilson and offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Rod Smith, who had taken the lead on his recruiting.

“Coach Wilson couldn’t really believe it,” Kiel said. “But he stayed composed. He told me he was really happy and ready to get things going. He told me what he expected from me, stuff that he told me before. Coach Smith gave me a big hug and told me I made his day.”

That was true for so many reasons. The 6-foot-4, 210-pounder has been high on the radars of recruiting services throughout his high school career. As a junior last season, he threw for 2,645 yards and 36 touchdowns while rushing for eight touchdowns.

“He makes great decisions,” said Allen Trieu, Midwest recruiting analyst for Scout.com “He’s really good at reading defenses. He’s going to come in ahead of where most high school kids come in at the mental side of the game. Throw in the fact that he’s 6-3, 6-4 with a cannon for an arm and that he moves well, he really has the whole package.”

And because he has the whole package, recruiting analysts were stunned that he’d want to pass up an opportunity to play for the superpowers that were recruiting him. Alabama, Notre Dame, Oklahoma and Southern California — who rank 1, 2,3 and 4 respectively in national championships since 1936, the beginning the poll era — all offered him scholarships and were recruiting him heavily, especially Alabama and Oklahoma. Indiana, meanwhile, has been to one bowl game since 1993.

But that was actually part of the draw — the opportunity to play for an underdog and help turn around the state school.

“All the players on their team have a chip on their shoulder,” Kiel said. “They hate what people say about them. As an Indiana kid, I feel their pain. I see them have a chip on their shoulder and how much they hate it and that made me want to join the team.”

He was also impressed by Wilson and his history of helping to develop quarterbacks. While Wilson was offensive coordinator at Oklahoma, he worked with Sam Bradford, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2008 and was the No. 1 draft pick in the NFL in 2010.

“It was really a key thing for me,” Kiel said. “All the great names he produced. It made me fired up. I saw that and I thought I could be one of those quarterbacks.”

Of course, staying close to family was also important to him. For all the positives the power programs had to offer, they couldn’t offer him the chance to play 45 minutes from home and study under his brother Dusty, who is fighting for the starting quarterback job this season with Edward Wright-Baker.

“Having family there is definitely huge,” Kiel said. “We’re really close and we’re there for each other. What better opportunity than to play with my best friend especially, my brother. I think he was more excited than I was.”

Kiel was asked if it was a deterrent that he might have to compete with his brother and might eventually unseat him. He said he had thought about it, but realized he would have to face some kind of competition anywhere he went.

“It might be hard to compete against him, but at the end of the day I think it’s going to be a plus,” Kiel said. “He’s going to be able to teach me the playbook faster than anybody, and he’s going to have my back no matter what.”

Kiel admitted it was difficult to turn his back on all the bigger name schools that were courting him, but he said he was able to do it because he believes the Hoosiers would soon be winning at a similar clip.

“They’re not really known for winning football games now,” Kiel said. “But they will, and I believe in them.”

Kiel is the 14th player to verbally commit to Indiana for the Class of 2012. He can’t sign a letter of intent until February, but he does plan to enroll in January so he can take part in spring practice.

[mckerney]

Minnesota got a big instate commit for the 18th member of their class, 6-9 300 OT Jonah Pirsig committed today over Iowa as his other finalist, with other offers from Auburn, Michigan, Ohio State and Wisconsin.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Bleacher Report predicts where the uncommitted 2012 targets are heading........

College Football Predictions: Where the Uncommitted Recruits in Top 50 Will Go | Bleacher Report

[bhlloy]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Bleacher Report predicts where the uncommitted 2012 targets are heading........

College Football Predictions: Where the Uncommitted Recruits in Top 50 Will Go | Bleacher Report

Shaq Thompson isn't going anywhere other than Cal, so that shows what that reporter knows - at least about the guys on the west coast.

[bhlloy]

DOLA - USC picks up a commit from a 3 star DE/DT hybrid in Pio Vatuvei (sp?)... under the radar kid who apparently looked really good at the Opening. Probably the scholarship that opened up when Steve Dillon (another 3 star DE/DT tweener) didn't qualify.

[SnDvls]

ASU picked up two great OL. Commits to bring the total to 21 so far

[dawgfan]

Originally Posted by bhlloy

Shaq Thompson isn't going anywhere other than Cal, so that shows what that reporter knows - at least about the guys on the west coast.

It's Bleacher Report, so it's worth basically nothing. And you're right - if Thompson goes somewhere other than Cal (which is highly unlikely), it won't be to USC - right now he's very strongly considering Washington, and they'd have to be considered his #2 school right now.

And no way Zach Banner is going to Oregon...

[DeToxRox]

Michigan picked up 4* DE Chris Wormley out of Ohio. That makes #21. At least five more to go, but we could get up to the full 28.

[MrBug708]

Cal is going to be crazy good in the next two years

[dawgfan]

Originally Posted by MrBug708

Cal is going to be crazy good in the next two years

Cal signed a ridiculously good defensive class last year. Assuming Michalczek works his usual magic with their OL and one of the young QBs turns into something good, you're right - Cal should be a Rose Bowl contender in the next few years.

[dawgfan]

Dola - someone needs to steal Tosh Lupoi away from Tedford's staff...

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Sheldon Richardson reportedly on campus at Mizzou and in the student directory. Will be officially announced in a day or two once all transcripts are received.

University of Missouri-Columbia: Student, Faculty and Staff Directory

[MrBug708]

Originally Posted by dawgfan

Dola - someone needs to steal Tosh Lupoi away from Tedford's staff...

Good luck. He's an alum and if Tedford leaves/fired, he's the head coach most likely. SJSU might end up hiring him as coach, which would make a difference IMO

[dawgfan]

Originally Posted by MrBug708

Good luck. He's an alum and if Tedford leaves/fired, he's the head coach most likely. SJSU might end up hiring him as coach, which would make a difference IMO

I dunno, he's not even a coordinator or "assistant head coach" or any of those other made-up titles to justify a big raise. I have my doubts he's making gobs of money yet, and if a school like Texas came around offering him a coordinator job and $1M in salary, you really think being a Cal alum would keep him from taking that job?

I think Tedford is going to have to promote him and give him a big raise soon or risk seeing a school with tons of cash coming after him in a big way...

[Ksyrup]

4/5 star and #1 QB Jameis Winston out of Alabama will announce at 4:30 today. Supposedly between FSU and Alabama. FSU has already gotten 2 highly rated guys out of Alabama.

EDIT: I believe this is actually being taped an hour or two ahead of time.

[Ksyrup]

Winston commits to FSU! Wow. Top dual-threat QB in the country, right behind Gunner Kiel overall (and some services have him #1 overall).

[Ksyrup]

With Winston's pledge, #FSU has landed 4 of the top 12 prospects in Alabama. I'm sure Nick Saban won't be sending Fisher a Christmas card.

Dameyune Craig FTW!

[Cuckoo]

I think there's a feeling out there that Winston won't ever make it to college. Isn't he projected as a top baseball pick next year? Either way, bad news for Saban and Bama, losing out on both Winston and Kiel.

[Ksyrup]

Part of this decision may have been that Saban wouldn't allow him to play both. I guess we'll see. Hope he doesn't turn into Joe Mauer.

[Logan]

4* WR Leonte Carroo to Rutgers. He's the first of the big four Don Bosco Prep kids to commit.

[MacroGuru]

4*(Scout.com) DE Troy Hinds (6' 5" 230 lb) committed to BYU this morning. He was the top in state prospect and we normally lose these guys.

Beating out Cal, Nebraska, Notre Dame and Utah (BYU rounded out his top 5)

[MrBug708]

Interesting how far UCLA had fallen out of his list

[DeToxRox]

Missouri 4* NT Ondre Pipkins committed to Michigan today, making #22 for the class. Kid is a monster and the perfect NT for the Michigan defense.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Missouri 4* NT Ondre Pipkins committed to Michigan today, making #22 for the class. Kid is a monster and the perfect NT for the Michigan defense.

PIPKINS!!

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

PIPKINS!!

He is my favorite kid in this class. He is 320 lbs with good athleticism and he has been blowing up the combines he has been to. That doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of things but his potential is exciting.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Missouri 4* NT Ondre Pipkins committed to Michigan today, making #22 for the class. Kid is a monster and the perfect NT for the Michigan defense.

Just a heads up. His recruitment isn't even close to over. Michigan told him if he didn't take the spot, he'd lose it. None of the other programs he's considering did that, so he gave a verbal to hold that spot while still shopping around.

Also, there's a very good chance he's headed to JUCO, which means the recruitment will start all over again in a couple years and render useless any current commits.

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Just a heads up. His recruitment isn't even close to over. Michigan told him if he didn't take the spot, he'd lose it. None of the other programs he's considering did that, so he gave a verbal to hold that spot while still shopping around.

Also, there's a very good chance he's headed to JUCO, which means the recruitment will start all over again in a couple years and render useless any current commits.

His mom signed off on the commitment. His dad lives in Michigan, his cousin is a GA at the school, his mentor is Lamar Woodley and he was given permission to wear #56 at Michigan.

Also only Mizzou fans have mentioned his grades. Michigan has let two in state kids go because of their grades already yet Pipkins has continually been #1 on their board at DT. And one of the kids they let go was Aaron Burbridge who is a WR and the #1 player in state so it has nothing to do with talent.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

His mom signed off on the commitment. His dad lives in Michigan, his cousin is a GA at the school, his mentor is Lamar Woodley and he was given permission to wear #56 at Michigan.

Also only Mizzou fans have mentioned his grades. Michigan has let two in state kids go because of their grades already yet Pipkins has continually been #1 on their board at DT. And one of the kids they let go was Aaron Burbridge who is a WR and the #1 player in state so it has nothing to do with talent.

As far as 'home' goes, he's a Michigan kid not Missouri as I'm sure you're aware. He's a transplant, but grew up in Michigan and has tons of family there.

Just giving you a heads up that his recruitment isn't even close to over yet. He may end up at Michigan, but he should be considered a 'soft verbal' at best right now.

[BYU 14]

Originally Posted by MacroGuru

4*(Scout.com) DE Troy Hinds (6' 5" 230 lb) committed to BYU this morning. He was the top in state prospect and we normally lose these guys.

Beating out Cal, Nebraska, Notre Dame and Utah (BYU rounded out his top 5)

This is huge for the Cougars, he is arguably among the best prospects ever to come out of Utah.

[MrBug708]

He's good, but that's overstating it slightly, no?

[MacroGuru]

Originally Posted by MrBug708

He's good, but that's overstating it slightly, no?

Who Hinds? No, it's not...That's not just the Cougar fan base that is saying it.

[Matthean]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Michigan told him if he didn't take the spot, he'd lose it.

He's #22 of a max 28 and it's only August. If anybody doesn't commit then they will lose out since Michigan will just move on.

[BYU 14]

Originally Posted by MrBug708

He's good, but that's overstating it slightly, no?

Maybe some slight homer hype, but Hinds is legit. He will play a hybrid DE/OLB role in BYU's Defense and he will be outstanding if he stays healthy.

From watching film on him he has a great motor, runs down a lot of plays from the backside, strong enough to bull rush and fast enough (4.63 40) to speed rush. He has all the tools for sure.

Being as dominant as he is in HS his technique is not as polished as it will need to be, but that will get fixed. You see that a lot in kids that can control a game by sheer ability in HS which sometimes hinders their technical development.

He is no Jadeveon Clowney by any stretch, but he is easily the top recruit in the state for 2012 and will have a great College career.

[MrBug708]

Originally Posted by MacroGuru

Who Hinds? No, it's not...That's not just the Cougar fan base that is saying it.

Has Utah never produced elite talent? Sua-Fila was a 5 star kid, #3 at his position. I'm sure there has been other elite talent like Ricky Heimuli, John Martinez, Latu Heimuli, Richard Wilson, Lynn Katoa, Austin Holt, Simi Fili, Matt Reynolds, and probably the best ever, Haloti Ngata?

[tarcone]

Maurice Fleming Jr. ATH 6-1/185 44 3*
Jaleel Johnson DT 6-2/277 11 4*
Mitch Keppy OL 6-5/287 NR 3*
Connor Kornbrath K 6-6/208 NR 2*
Michael Malloy ATH 6-0/180 NR 3*
Drew Ott DE 6-4/235 NR 3*
Laron Taylor LB 6-0/205 NR 2*
Ryan Ward OL 6-6/27 13 4*
Cameron Wilson WR 6-2/190 71 3*


Great group so far. Another big time OL line recruit. I love that. Looks like we will have the biggest kicker in the land.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Good article about the #1 WR prospect in the 2012 class............

Dorial Green-Beckham, the nation's top receiver, has been through a lot but stays positive - ESPN

[DeToxRox]

Just passing this along but a Michigan poster who is a HS coach in Indiana has said that the feeling is Gunner Kiel is going to end up in Alabama. Apparently Momma Kiel isn't too happy with the elder Kiel being benched.

[MrBug708]

You mean Missouri? He eliminated Bama a while ago?

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by MrBug708

You mean Missouri? He eliminated Bama a while ago?

Alledgedly his mom loves Saban.

[Logan]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Alledgedly his mom loves Saban.

Giggity.

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Just passing this along but a Michigan poster who is a HS coach in Indiana has said that the feeling is Gunner Kiel is going to end up in Alabama. Apparently Momma Kiel isn't too happy with the elder Kiel being benched.

Yep. There's been a lot of rumors about Gunner staying or Gunner going. Right now, the rumors say he is staying. Who knows though? I'll feel a lot better once he enrolls. The plan is for him to enroll next semester... if he doesn't decommit.

As for Dusty Kiel, I hope he'll get more of a look after last week. Ed Wright-Baker did nothing for most of the game versus North Texas, then Dusty came in off the bench and scored a couple TDs.

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Yep. There's been a lot of rumors about Gunner staying or Gunner going. Right now, the rumors say he is staying. Who knows though? I'll feel a lot better once he enrolls. The plan is for him to enroll next semester... if he doesn't decommit.

As for Dusty Kiel, I hope he'll get more of a look after last week. Ed Wright-Baker did nothing for most of the game versus North Texas, then Dusty came in off the bench and scored a couple TDs.

I truly hope Gunner ends up at IU. It takes some balls for a kid to do that with the other options at his disposal. Would IU contend for the Big Ten? Probably not, but they could be a legitimate 8 win teams if he matures by the time hes a Sophmore (assuming he pans out obviously)

[dawgfan]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

I truly hope Gunner ends up at IU. It takes some balls for a kid to do that with the other options at his disposal. Would IU contend for the Big Ten? Probably not, but they could be a legitimate 8 win teams if he matures by the time hes a Sophmore (assuming he pans out obviously)

Plus, a local kid of his stature committing publicly to the local school and then reneging on that would be, well, a pretty dick move IMO.

[Kodos]

IU needs to add a lot of talent. Something like 26 freshman have played this season. Tells me the older players aren't up to snuff.

[CU Tiger]

In my spare time I've been helping out an old friend who runs one of clemson's national affiliate recruiting sites.

From what I have seen there is not a better talent in the country than DT Eddie Goldman. Barring injuries I think he s a top 5 draft pick in 3 years (last DT to do that?) but after meeting with his high school coach and " handler" I would bet my house that whoever signs this kid will be the subject of a yahoo sports expose in the near future. And for the record I say this fully aware that Clemson is in his final 7. Don't really think the kids is bad at all, but the coach literally "jokingly" asked if 2500 was too much to grant an interview....

[Ksyrup]

I saw that Tenessee flipped a Miami verbal yesterday.

[DeToxRox]

Apparently CA 4* WR Jordan Payton is close to committing to Michigan. Heh as a visit to ND planned (I forgot if it's this weekend or next) with some teammates but he wants to cancel it. His family wants him to take more visits though to make sure he is 100% certain with his choice (and considering he was already a USC verbal once, I respect that).

[MacroGuru]

Based upon tonight's results and Jake getting yanked in the 3rd qtr, I truly expect him to transfer at the end of the season. Which I feel would set off a chain reaction of Apo and Van Noy...although I think Van Noy would stay as he has superstar status with the BYU faithful..