Malik Zaire transferring from Notre Dame, lists two B1G schools as potential landing spots
After helping Notre Dame to an upset win over LSU in the Music City Bowl in 2014 and beating out Everett Golson for the starting quarterback job last season, Malik Zaire was expected to be “the guy” for the Irish.
He could still earn that title, but it won’t be in South Bend.
On Tuesday, reports came out that Zaire would be transferring out of Notre Dame and would be looking for another school to complete his college football career.
SOURCE: #NotreDame QB Malik Zaire expected to get his release during Wednesday meeting with Brian Kelly, as first reported by @PeteSampson_.
— Matt Fortuna (@Matt_Fortuna) November 29, 2016
Why is that interesting for the B1G? It’s been reported that the former Irish quarterback has listed two schools in the conference he would be interested in attending for the 2017 campaign.
Along with Florida and Pittsburgh, Michigan State and Wisconsin were listed as potential landing spots for Zaire.
Those two schools are particularly interesting as each struggled with issues under center this season. Damian Terry looks to be next in line for the Spartans and Alex Hornibrook took over mid-season for the Badgers and could have a bright future. But Zaire could add that instant threat that both teams lacked at the position.
Zaire’s career has never gained much traction at Notre Dame, getting injured in 2015 and never regaining his starting position. He was sidelined this year behind DeShone Kizer as the Irish finished the year 4-8. He threw just 23 passes this season.
This decision isn’t abnormal, especially for the Irish. Everett Golson transferred for the 2015 season after he was expected to be in a backup role behind Zaire. He went on to play his final season at Florida State.
All four schools are in need of a quarterback for sure, but keep an eye on Michigan State and Wisconsin, who could definitely use a playmaker under center.