Malik Zaire Transfer
Malik Zaire, who started began the 2014 season as Notre Dame's starter (after starting several games in 2013), before getting hurt and then splitting time early with Kizer, will ask for his release this week.
This would be unremarkable were it not for the current list of potential suitors. Of the four listed by Irish Illustrated, three are on Michigan's schedule next year: Florida, MSU and Wisconsin.
Of the three, I'd probably rate Wisconsin as least likely, unless Chryst really doesn't like the way Hornibrook is developing. It may say something that Dantonio would entertain the idea too.
For clarification: Pitt is the other school listed and it's the only school of those listed that doesn't have a QB returning who didn't start this year. Both QBs on their depth chart this year are fifth year guys who'll be gone. That's the most open of the jobs, as Florida does return Del Rio and gets the redshirt off Felipe Franks.
November 29th, 2016 at 5:50 PM ^
November 29th, 2016 at 5:51 PM ^
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November 29th, 2016 at 6:00 PM ^
He was good until he got hurt last year. He would be, to me, a clear upgrade for each of the three teams on the interest list that are on our schedule next season.
For his purposes it seems like Florida would be the best destination, because that team continues to contend in a weak division with a black hole under center and could be dangerous with him. I want him to go to MSU the least, because he could improve them even if they don't beat us and I don't want them to win anything.
November 29th, 2016 at 5:51 PM ^
So is this one of those grad transfer type things where he doesn't have to sit out a year?
Edit...after clicking the link, it is.
November 29th, 2016 at 5:50 PM ^
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November 29th, 2016 at 5:52 PM ^
November 29th, 2016 at 6:06 PM ^
Never is longer than it used to be.
November 29th, 2016 at 5:53 PM ^
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November 29th, 2016 at 9:11 PM ^
They are sort of a rival, so I would guess they say no, but maybe that only applies within a conference?
November 29th, 2016 at 5:53 PM ^
November 29th, 2016 at 5:54 PM ^
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November 29th, 2016 at 5:54 PM ^
November 29th, 2016 at 5:54 PM ^
Lewerke will be coming off of an injury and DeWeaver will be very fresh.
Zaire could bridge that gap and raise their floor a lot.
November 29th, 2016 at 6:25 PM ^
Harbaugh didn't want anything that DeWeaver had to offer at Michigan or he would have been here.
November 29th, 2016 at 6:38 PM ^
November 29th, 2016 at 5:57 PM ^
November 29th, 2016 at 6:48 PM ^
Murk Duntoneeo may be reading this blog for ideas.
November 29th, 2016 at 5:58 PM ^
Is he changing his name to DR Congo as well?
I'll just see myself out...
November 29th, 2016 at 5:59 PM ^
For what it's worth, it's the only school of those listed that doesn't have a QB returning who didn't start this year. Both QBs on their depth chart this year are fifth year guys who'll be gone. That's the most open of the jobs, as Florida does return Del Rio and gets the redshirt off Felipe Franks.
November 29th, 2016 at 6:00 PM ^
November 29th, 2016 at 6:00 PM ^
Like others, I think Florida is the team that could probably benefit the most and might be the easiest fit for Zaire. I very much doubt Wisconsin does something un-Wisconsin, and MSU seems OK with....whatever the hell that is that they have going on.....Lewerke and DeWeaver in that order, I imagine. That being said, even if he chose MSU, I think we'd still be in OK shape going into that game next year.
November 29th, 2016 at 9:31 PM ^
In addition, the coaching at Florida hasn't appeared to be very good at QB development, so Zaire would be risking a lot by going to Florida.
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November 29th, 2016 at 6:21 PM ^
The guy is too damn loyal to his QBs. He stuck with Maxell, which cost him the game against ND, which probably cost them a playoff birth IIRC. He stuck with O'connor for quite a bit before atleast taking a peak at Lewerke.
If he takes a grad transfer, it will only be because he truly fears us, and he's willing to try anything(running out of souls to sell).
November 29th, 2016 at 6:28 PM ^
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November 29th, 2016 at 6:50 PM ^
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November 29th, 2016 at 6:54 PM ^
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November 29th, 2016 at 7:32 PM ^
I suspect Zaire will be encouraged to go to the other schools on that list.
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November 29th, 2016 at 7:51 PM ^
If he's making other plans, I wouldn't put it past him.
November 29th, 2016 at 8:25 PM ^
November 29th, 2016 at 8:30 PM ^
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November 29th, 2016 at 8:34 PM ^
November 29th, 2016 at 8:48 PM ^
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November 29th, 2016 at 9:24 PM ^
November 29th, 2016 at 10:18 PM ^
Even if he switched positions, I'm not sure what else he'd play. Maybe a slot receiver? His best bet actually might be to come back, hone his passing ability, and hope someone picks him up in 2018 as a mid to late round project. He does have some decent upside.
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November 29th, 2016 at 9:25 PM ^
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November 29th, 2016 at 9:40 PM ^
November 30th, 2016 at 7:04 AM ^
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November 29th, 2016 at 10:10 PM ^
PITT loves them some transfer QBs...
November 30th, 2016 at 8:11 AM ^
If I were him, I'd go to Pitt. They're going to have a solid OL and running game.
Personally, I don't think he's very good, so meh.
November 30th, 2016 at 10:01 AM ^
While not always true, we have seen enough examples lately of grad transfers working out really well. Whether they just need a fresh start under a different staff, are able to pick a system/lineup that fits their skills, or whatever ... it is not inconceivable that he has a big year wherever he lands.
Therefore, I vote for Pitt, as the one of those four not on our schedule next year.