Is Gunner Kiel Able to Contend for Heisman Trophy in 2015?
By Joe Wedra
Gunner Kiel might just be the focal point of quarterbacks for the 2015 college football season, and rightfully so. His skills say he can with the Heisman Trophy, but the questions in his game hold him back from being a true projected “favorite” for the award.
For Kiel, similar questions will arise when he enters the Draft process.
Can he lead an NFL team with his skill-set?
Will he be able to score enough points?
For now — all NFL Draft notes aside — it’s all about finding spots in his game that can potentially translate to an award-winning 2015 campaign.
On the surface, all the tools are there.
To be quite truthful, Kiel has somewhat of a lethal weapon attached to his right shoulder. Deep balls and arm strength won’t be an issue through the season for the 6’4″ junior.
Last year, Kiel put up “those” numbers. Tossing 31 touchdowns over 3254 yards, the 21-year-old established himself as one of 2015’s prime NFL Draft quarterback prospects approaching scouting time. Before his decision to be NFL-bound even comes close however, he’ll be looking to put together a season for the record-books, something that appears quite possible at the current time.
As Gus Elvin of ESPN notes, there will be no drought of weapons for Kiel:
"Cincy returns its top six pass catchers, five of whom had 25-plus receptions for at least 400 yards in ’14. Tuberville called his WR corps “as good, deep, big and athletic as any group in the nation.” On the outside, 6-6 Mekale McKay (725 yards, 8 TDs) is a mismatch that the junior Kiel (31-13 TD-to-INT ratio) can exploit, while senior Shaq Washington (761 yards) is Kiel’s slot safety valve, with 44 catches for a first down, fourth most in the AAC."
The stats won’t be the issue in the Heisman talks for the junior quarterback.
It’s the interception number that will set him apart from the field.
Last year, Kiel totaled 13 interceptions, most of which came in his four multi-INT outings.
If he wants a chance at the award, he’ll need to break out performances like the one he put together against the Ohio State Buckeyes early in 2014.
In that game, Kiel was able to toss four touchdowns over his 352-yard performance. In NFL scouts’ eyes, this has to be the game that turns heads. Kiel boasted the ability to not only toss strike after strike, but to also do it with a lightning quick release. In just his 3rd college game, he proved that his arm had the ability to shred defenses early and often.
At the end of the day, Kiel’s Heisman chances may just boil down to how well his head works with his arm.
Cut the bad decisions. Replace them with an increased football knowledge. Ultimately, that could be the winning recipe for the youngster in Cincinnati.