Malik Zaire Transfer

Submitted by jimmyshi03 on

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.

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stephenrjking

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.

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Padog

November 29th, 2016 at 5:54 PM ^

Really hope he doesn't go to MSU as QB is one of their scariest positions next year.

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.

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jimmyshi03

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.

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LSAClassOf2000

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.

 

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spider-sal

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).

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Perkis-Size Me

November 29th, 2016 at 10:18 PM ^

But what's he going to do if he leaves early? His passing ability is questionable, and you kind of need to be able to pass the ball in the NFL. He's a great athlete, but he is not a Braxton Miller type of athlete that can be lethal in the NFL if he learns a new position well enough. Guys with Barrett's athletic ability are a dime a dozen in the NFL.

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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tspoon

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.

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