Dayne Keller's interest in Indiana began long before he grew into his 6-foot-1, 175-pound frame and became an IU quarterback target.

By his best guess, he was about five years old.

Keller moved to the Hoosier state by way of Alabama around that time and began rooting for the Hoosiers in grade school like his friends. He's considered himself an Indiana fan since then, rooting the Hoosiers on from Newburgh, Indiana, and watching the program transcend through highs, lows, coaching changes and into the Kevin Wilson era.

That fan element makes Keller's recruitment all the more surreal, he said. Wilson and his staff have shown interest in adding Keller to the 2017 recruiting class and had him come to Bloomington last weekend for a visit to see IU play Wake Forest.

"Being recruited by IU is very special," Keller said. "It's like no other. Not a lot of people get that opportunity to visit and get recruited by the school you grew up rooting for and hoping to one day be a part of."

Keller has been attending Indiana camps and taking trips to Bloomington throughout his high school career. He's seen the transition throughout the program from both afar and internally as a recruit, as evident in his contacts.

Doug Mallory initially reached out to him before leaving the program. His replacement, Brian Knorr, then became Keller's primary Indiana connection before also leaving. Last season, offensive coordinator Kevin Johns began reaching out.

With Johns and Wilson both keeping in touch, Keller said his relationship with Indiana has gotten stronger over time. Their transparency throughout the recruitment has been particularly impressive.

"I've really liked the honesty," Keller said. "Through this process, we've gained a huge bond. We talk all the time and have that connection. If they have something for me, they'll tell me, but they've got some guys they are waiting on, and that's alright."

Indiana is yet to offer Keller despite not having a quarterback committed in its 2017 class as of yet. He said IU's coaches have told him they're still waiting to hear from a few players they rank higher than him before moving forward with an offer.

Keller has taken that information in stride, saying he doesn't mind the wait.

"That's not too big of a deal for me because it's my senior year, and I'm just trying to have fun with it and finish out strong with my lifelong friends," he said. "So I'm just taking it easy anyways and letting it come to me."

Meanwhile, NAIA powers Marian and St. Francis have reached out and impressed.

Keller said he wouldn't mind going that route and playing at a high NAIA level if it means finding a fit as a player and for his education. He wants to study business in college, which is another reason he's attracted to Indiana because of its Kelley School of Business.

While he closes out his senior season, Keller said he's not worried or stressed about the process because he's enjoying it so much. The other day, he and his father were talking about all the travel and experiences they've had because of football, and he said he's thankful for it.

"This whole thing has been a blast," Keller said. "Wherever it goes, it goes, but it's been really enjoyable."