Gunner Kiel (Athlon Consensus #25)

The Analysis

PROS: Kiel is the complete package at quarterback. He has a consistent, accurate delivery with mechanics that are more developed than most players at his age. He shows great touch on his passes, sees the field very well and will make the right decision more times than not. He has good command of the huddle and is a natural leader with poise and maturity reflected by his family’s pedigree of QB play. He is also a better athlete than given credit for. He has solid feet and will pick up yards on the ground when the play breaks down. He won’t shy away from contact either. He has nearly ideal height, bulk and overall size for the quarterback position.

CONS: While his arm strength is more than adequate, it is not elite. This shouldn’t be a big concern due to the fact that his mechanic and delivery are compact, repeatable and smooth. The arm strength should come with work in a college system. Additionally, he has very little experience under center as he plays mostly in a shotgun, spread offense. The level of competition in Indiana is not elite either.

BIO: Playing quarterback runs in the Kiel family. Gunner’s father, Kip played quarterback at Butler, while his two brothers, Drew and Dusty, play quarterback at Illinois State and Indiana respectively. His uncle, Blair, also played quarterback at Notre Dame. The honorable mention Class 5A All-State pick will play in the Under Armour All-American game and is virtually a unanimous pick as the No. 1 QB recruit in the nation – five of the six major recruiting services rank him as the top quarterback.