QB Gunner Kiel, WR Davonte’ Neal transfer from Notre Dame
BY LAMOND POPE Sun-Times Media April 10, 2013 10:21PM
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Two members of Notre Dame’s recruiting class of 2012 reportedly have found new schools.
ESPN reported Wednesday that quarterback Gunner Kiel will transfer to Cincinnati, and Blue and Gold Illustrated reported wide receiver Davonte’ Neal will transfer to Arizona. Both came to Notre Dame as top recruits, and news broke about their intentions to transfer about a week apart.
Kiel, a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, originally made an oral commitment to Indiana, then switched to LSU before landing at Notre Dame. He didn’t play at all for the Irish in 2012.
Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly confirmed Kiel’s
decision to leave the program March 19.
‘‘I think the schools that he was looking at were in line with the schools that I thought were appropriate relative to who was on our schedule,’’ Kelly said at the time when asked if there were any restrictions on where Kiel could transfer. ‘‘There were a number of nationally regarded programs across the board. There were too many for me to even get into. Some regionally, some national, but a pretty long list. We gave him pretty good leeway to find the right resting place.’’
Kiel reportedly also visited Ball State and Miami (Ohio) before settling on Cincinnati.
Kelly confirmed Neal was no
longer with the team March 27. Neal, who was rated No. 17 nationally at wide receiver by Rivals.com, returned 21 punts for 46 yards as a freshman for Notre Dame in 2012. He had one catch for minus-5 yards.
