Ex-Notre Dame QB Malik Zaire still working through graduate transfer process
It has been four months since Malik Zaire received his release from Notre Dame in order to pursue a graduate transfer.
One of the potential suitors for the quarterback, North Carolina, received a commitment from LSU’s Brandon Harris over the weekend. In an interview with the South Bend Tribune, Zaire confirmed that Harris’ decision means he won’t be a Tar Heel and updated where he is with the transfer process.
[Sign up for Yahoo Fantasy Baseball: Get in the game and join a league today]
Zaire, who graduated from Notre Dame in December, originally planned to enroll at his new school by the time spring semester rolled around. He visited both UNC and Wisconsin, but did not come to a decision. He told the Tribune that Wisconsin could still be an option and confirmed recent reports that he was recently contacted by Texas, which was also in the running for Harris.
“With it being my fifth year, I just thought it was really important to be able to make a decision the best I can, by being careful and taking in as much information as I can to take the best opportunity,” Zaire told the Tribune on Wednesday night.
“I think that was the best decision for me. I’m giving all of myself to physically be the part and be on point with my technique, so I can go to the next school and be the leader and be the quarterback of the team.”
Wisconsin and Texas don’t have glaring needs at quarterback. The Badgers named rising sophomore Alex Hornibrook, who started nine games in 2016, their starter before spring practice even began while Texas returns Shane Buechele, who had a promising freshman season as the Longhorns’ starter. It’s understandable why Zaire, who is entering his final season of eligibility, hasn’t jumped at those potential opportunities.
[Follow Dr. Saturday on social media: Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr]
Back in December, schools like Florida and Michigan State were also reportedly options for Zaire, who has been training in Arizona. At this point, he told the Tribune he does not have a final list of schools he’s considering:
“I don’t have one right now. I’m just being open and still talking (to teams),” Zaire said. “I have to take a couple visits that I’m going to set up and really be on point with that.”
As for a timeline, Zaire said he’d like to make a decision “as soon as possible, obviously.” But he also added that it may be best to wait until programs close spring practice and can truly assess their needs.
Zaire started only three games during his time at Notre Dame, throwing for 816 yards and six touchdowns while rushing for 324 yards and two scores. He started in place of Everett Golson for the 2014 Music City Bowl and had a great performance, earning MVP honors in a win over LSU.
Zaire entered the 2015 season as the Irish’s starter, but went down with a broken ankle in Week 2. From there, DeShone Kizer emerged as the team’s starter for the rest of the season. Zaire and Kizer battled for the starting role entering 2016 and split time early in the year. After a season-opening loss to Notre Dame, the two-quarterback experiment ended with Kizer coming out as the No. 1 quarterback.
More college football from Yahoo Sports:
– – – – – – –
Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
