Irish LB Commit Jack Kiser Wins IndyStar Mr. Football
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Following a dominant season on both sides of the ball helping Royal Center (Ind.) Pioneer to a second-straight Class A state championship, Notre Dame linebacker commit Jack Kiser has earned a major honor.
The 6-foot-2, 206-pounder was named IndyStar Mr. Football on Wednesday, which is voted on by Indiana Football Coaches Association ratings board. Kiser is the first Class A player to ever win the award.
Kiser received 30 of the 60 votes while Indianapolis Warren Central wide receiver David Bell came in second with 17, per the release from the Indianapolis Star.
The talented senior was a star on both sides of the ball helping Pioneer cruise to another state championship. Kiser had 159 tackles and seven interceptions on defense while he racked up 1,183 yards and 18 touchdowns passing and 2,109 yards and 44 touchdowns rushing serving as the team's quarterback.
“To become the first (Class A) player to win an award like this is really mind-boggling,” Kiser told the Indy Star. “There are a bunch of good (Class A) players who don’t get the recognition. To be that first one and give other kids from small schools some hope, that’s something I’m very proud of and glad to be a part of.”
Pioneer outscored opponents 936-39 this season, including shutting out 11 of their 15 opponents. The Panthers won the state title 60-0 over Cayuga (Ind.) North Vermillion.
It was the cap to an incredible high school career for Kiser, who started all four years for Pioneer. Kiser accumulated 11,257 total yards of offense and 198 touchdowns (139 rushing) while he racked up 424 total tackles and 20 interceptions defensively over those four years. Pioneer won three state titles overall during Kiser's time in the program.
“If there was going to be a (Class A) player to win it, it was going to be him,” Pioneer coach Adam Berry said to the IndyStar. “Playing every game in his career and doing what he has done in all three phases, he’s very deserving. We always thought he had a good chance at winning this, but having it finally happen is great for him and great for the community.”
Kiser will be the first prospect from Indiana to win the award and sign with Notre Dame since linebacker Jaylon Smith in 2012. Quarterback Gunner Kiel did the same in 2011.
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