Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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www.BLUEANDGOLD.com MARCH 2019 53 2019 FOOTBALL RECRUITING ISSUE "When it came out and told me that I had won, it was mind blowing. To be a small-town kid and not move to the city and be called Mr. Football, I will carry that with me forever. I'm very fortunate." Even after capturing Indiana's most prestigious football award and finishing among the state's best ever for points scored and rushing yards, Kiser knows none of it matters now that he is in South Bend. "No one will care if I won it or not," he said. "I have to earn my role again and become part of the team. I'm still going to have that chip on my shoulder being a small-school kid. It was great to get the award, but at the same time you have to move on. "You always have to prove some- thing. Every day in the weight room, on the field or in the classroom, you're always out there to prove something." Kiser left quite the legacy at Pio- neer and will be a remembered name for years to come in the small com- munity. "I don't think it hit me until my last week of school in December," Kiser said when asked if he had con- sidered his impact at Pioneer. "It was neat because teachers were pulling me aside and talking to me or writ- ing letters. Kids from the elementary school would see me at a basketball game and wanted me to take pictures with them or sign autographs. "I don't think before that I realized the impact some kid who plays foot- ball and goes to the school could have on the community. It's really opened my eyes to how kids look up and have those role models. I'm proud to be one for the community." ✦ JACK KISER LINEBACKER 6-1 · 205 PIONEER H.S. ROYAL CENTER, IND. RANKINGS STARS NAT. POS.^ STATE ✪ ✪ ✪ — 37 9 ✪ ✪ ✪ — 98 15 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 191 13 5 ^ Outside linebacker STATISTICS • Finished his career with 3,771 passing yards, 59 passing touchdowns, 7,364 rushing yards, 139 rushing scores, 37 100-yard rushing games, 9,174 all-purpose yards, 11,257 total yards, 424 tackles, 32 passes defended, 20.5 tackles for loss, 20 in- terceptions, nine forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries and two blocked punts. • Compiled 159 tackles, seven interceptions, six forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries during his senior year. Also produced 1,183 yards and 18 touchdowns passing, and 2,109 yards and 44 scores rushing. • Registered 100 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and eight interceptions as a junior. Added 1,193 yards and 16 scores through the air, and 1,964 yards and 38 touchdowns on the ground. • Collected 99 tackles, 4.5 stops for loss and five interceptions defensively as a sophomore. Also threw for 1,362 yards and 25 touchdowns, while rushing for 1,678 yards and 35 scores. • During freshman season, recorded 66 stops while putting up 1,613 yards and 22 touchdowns as a rusher. • Finished his career as the No. 2 all-time scorer in Indiana high school football history with 920 points. Also is the No. 4 all-time rusher in state history. HONORS • 2018 MaxPreps Small Schools National Player of the Year • 2018 Indiana Mr. Football • 2018 Indiana Mr. Football Quarterback • 2018 Associated Press Indiana Class A All-State first-team quarterback • 2018 USA Today All-State first-team defensive back • 2018 Indiana Football Coaches Association Top 50 All-State (all classes) • 2017 AP Indiana Class A first-team defensive back • 2017 USA Today All-State second-team defen- sive back in Indiana • 2016-18 Pharos-Tribune Loganland Offensive Player of the Year ALL-STAR GAMES AND CAMPS • Did not participate in any postseason national all-star games RECRUITMENT • Committed to Notre Dame on June 12, 2018, and enrolled in January 2019. • Selected the Fighting Irish over finalists Duke, Purdue and Iowa. • Defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Clark Lea led his recruitment. • Took multiple game visits to Notre Dame in 2017. Notre Dame offered in May 2018 and he took another trip shortly after. NOTABLE • Born on Sept. 10, 2000. • Carried a 4.0 GPA and is set to be Pioneer's class valedictorian. • Kiser's father, Aaron, was part of the track program at Purdue. • His older brother Bryce played football at Il- linois State, while his older sister, Madison, runs cross country at Louisville. • Is the third player to win Indiana Mr. Football and then sign with Notre Dame (joining linebacker Jaylon Smith in 2012 and quarterback Gunner Kiel in 2011). • Participated in track and field at Pioneer. Ad- vanced to the state meet in both shot put and discus during his junior year. 2019 PROJECTION • Offseason shoulder surgery could result in Kiser redshirting in 2019. THEY SAID IT Head coach Brian Kelly: "Smart and gritty with a laser focus that fits our scheme. Jack Kiser is stay- ing in his own backyard and will be a fan favorite for sure." Pioneer head coach Adam Berry: "Jack is a stu- dent of the game. He prepares just as hard as anyone you'll find. It doesn't matter if we're facing a team that is 0-10 or 10-0. "He watches film the same, and it's like he's pre- paring for the state title every week. He coaches up the other players on the field, and he's a great athlete for us." Defensive coordinator Clark Lea: "A jack of all trades who displayed playmaking ability in all three phases in high school. Jack is an all-around winner and the hard-nosed player that we look for on our defense." BGI football analyst Bryan Driskell: "Kiser 's game absolutely took off as a senior. His feel for football is outstanding, and Kiser is a smooth and athletic player possessing quick feet, top- level body control and easy change of direction skills. "During his senior campaign, Kiser showed a bet- ter burst and improved closing speed, and arrived at the football with more force. "Kiser shows good run-pass recognition, flows to the ball well and is a good form tackler. The Pioneer star is outstanding in coverage, show- ing excellent range and instincts in the pass game." Kiser finished his prep career as the No. 2 all- time leading scorer (920 points) and No. 4 rusher (7,364 yards) in state history. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM