Notre Dame LB Jack Kiser is looking to earn another Mr. Indiana Crown

Jack Kiser won the Mr. Indiana in 2018 after leading Pioneer High School to a perfect 15-0 record. During his senior season, Kiser also tallied 159 tackles, seven interceptions and six forced fumbles with five fumble recoveries while adding 1,183 passing yards, 2,109 rushing yards and 62 total touchdowns on offense.

Kiser isn’t likely to reveal his high school numbers Friday night, but Kiser, who has strong family ties to Purdue, crossed the Boilermakers off his list in September, and the Notre Dame captain can officially take the crown of Mr. Indiana back with a win over Indiana.

And yes, Kiser has noticed the importance of this game locally, probably more so than his teammates.

“No one hides it,” Kiser said. “Everybody says Indiana is a basketball state, and when you get a game like this, it makes people realize, “Hey, there’s more to Indiana than just basketball and basketball courts.” If you look at the rosters, there a good amount of Indiana guys on both sides I’m very proud of that and knowing this is a big matchup.

Game Day is going to be here on Friday. The whole world will be watching the state of Indiana. And it’s beautiful, pretty amazing to be an Indiana kid.”

Kiser is well aware of the strong allegiances in the Hoosier State, but he also knows that there are many jackets that can be turned inside out, which makes this game interesting.

“I feel like growing up, you’re either a Purdue football and basketball fan, or you were a Notre Dame football fan and an IU basketball fan,” Kiser explained. “There will be that division of Notre Dame and Indiana fans, but I think we have all the Boilermakers on our side.”

To make the moment even bigger, Notre Dame and Indiana will play in the first Division I college football playoff game on a college campus during the 12-team playoff, and it’s the only game of the night that could create a special atmosphere .

“There has been a call to action, and I think that call to action is real,” Kiser said. “This is an atmosphere that if you have the opportunity to be in there, you have to be in there. Yeah, it’s going to be special. Eight o’clock on a Friday. When was the last time we played on a Friday?

“It’s going to roll. I know the students are already done with finals and it’s hanging around. Just being a part of it. I think it’s a big thing if you can be there, put your coat on , take your hat, hand warmers, wherever you have, but make sure you stand up. You don’t get hot from sitting down, right? So I think there’s been a call to action and it becomes something we have not yet experienced.”

Friday night will officially be the last time Kiser plays inside Notre Dame Stadium. The Indiana native has played in 66 games, the most in program history, for the Fighting Irish, and with the emotions of senior day in the past, Kiser will look to add a playoff win to the Notre Dame record book.

“During Virginia, the defense, we talked a little bit about ‘Guarantee one more,'” Kiser said. “Last guaranteed, but let’s guarantee we want more. We took care of business down the stretch and guaranteed one more at Notre Dame Stadium.

“Honestly, I haven’t really thought about it or put any emotion into thinking that this is the last game at Notre Dame Stadium because I’ve already done it right. But yeah, it’s the last game at Notre Dame Stadium, so we have to make sure everyone knows this is our house.”

For now, Kiser knows it’s huge, but he’s keeping it simple.

“It’s the Playoff atmosphere,” said Kiser, who won back-to-back titles as a junior and senior in high school with a perfect 30-0 record. “It takes me back to high school playing in the state tournament, so it’s about time.”

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