After a rush of reports that Gunner Kiel, the nation's top-rated quarterback recruit and a longtime Indiana Hoosiers commit, has re-opened his recruitment, the man himself confirmed the story to 247 Sports. Kiel notified coach Kevin Wilson Thursday night, then made the whole thing public Friday morning.
"I'm just reevaluating my decision and plan on taking some future visits to other colleges," Kiel told 247Sports on Friday morning.
He added that he plans to take all five official visits. The first will be Notre Dame on Saturday for their game against the USC Trojans, according to reports.
Here's Indiana blog Crimson Quarry with some instant (and sober!) reaction:
I hope, of course, that when the process is complete Gunner decides to enroll at IU in January 2012. On the other hand, if you are looking for a bunch of moralizing about broken promises, then you're in the wrong place. For all of his football talents, Gunner Kiel is a high school senior deciding where to spend the next few years of his life. That is an intensely personal decision and one that should not be made lightly.
Of course, a verbal commitment should not be extended without careful consideration. It's better when a player is certain when he makes the commitment. On the other hand, I think it's much more important that Gunner or any other player be confident in his college choice. In that sense, it's comparable to breaking an engagement.
For more Kiel and the Hoosiers, visit SB Nation Indiana and The Crimson Quarry.