'13 OH QB Malik Zaire (Notre Dame Early Enrollee)

[Kaneyoufeelit]

The fact that you guys think there will be a QB competition next year is pretty darn humorous.

I think Kelly has been clear that there is always a QB competition. Are you suggesting that despite how QBs perform in the spring and in camp next year that there is no way that anyone could beat Golson out for the job? Hell, he isn't even secure enough in the job this year to avoid being pulled.

Golson has had a very good year and certainly enters the spring as the #1 but he has to continue to perform to keep that job. If Gunner is what he is supposed to be then Golson will have to have a great spring and summer to be the starter next year. One year of solid play is not enough to say that this kid cannot be beaten out for the job. I love Golson and everything he brings to the table. But, do you want to know what I love more? Winning. Forcing competition in practice results in elevated play. There is a always a competition at every position as far as I'm concerned. Ok, maybe not for Manti's position

 

[Chris P. Bacon]

The fact that you guys think there will be a QB competition next year is pretty darn humorous.

To say there won't be a QB competition next year is pretty darn humorous too. There is always a battle for position at every position. Golson's ability to get better or worse is competition right there. By definition

Competition: the effort of two or more parties acting independently to secure the business of a third party by offering the most favorable terms. (I.E Two or more parties (Golson, Gunner, Tommy, Hendrix) acting independently to secure the business (To be the starter of ND football) of a third party (ND FOOTBALL TEAM).

Golson is going to be competing to keep his job , while Gunner/Malik will also be competing to get the starting job. That is competition right there, one is competing against the other to keep or take the starting job.

Why would any high school player commit to a school if he knows going in that there wouldn't be any sort of competition or chance to start? Did Gunner and Malik both go and choose ND because they knew they weren't going to have to compete. Did they think that Golson was just going to never get better? Did they just think that they had to outlast the next guy ahead of them, depending on their year of eligibility. Is that the argument that there won't be a QB competition next year?

Some of your arguments make it seem like it's automatic that Golson gets the start, are you telling me he's not going to have to show progression at all? If your answer is "No, that's not what I'm saying, I'm saying is that as long as Golson doesn't show a huge drop in his production than he won't have to worry about losing his job."

Well my friends, that is competition right there, every week Golson is in competing for his job, and if you can’t figure that out in Kelly’s 3rd season, you must not paying much attention at all, let alone the constant QB battle. The QB position is the most important one on the team, and you need to have your best player there at all times, players only get better while competing, if there was no one breathing down your neck, what would drive you to ever get better?

 

[irishog77]

The fact that you and others don't is baffling to me. Golson got pulled for Rees against Pitt THIS WEEK for goodness sakes. Golson is going to have to continue to improve to be our quarterback the rest of this year and next year, which is something he is fully capable of doing. I am sure BK hopes and expects him to do so as well. If he does not, however, or if another QB (most likely Kiel) really grabs the bull by the horns and impresses, there is no way that BK won't play him.

The thing I like about BK, even though it can be maddening at QB, is that he has no qualms about taking a kid out if he is not playing the game with the level of detail and committment BK expects. Golson is going to have to keep working really hard to stave off the talent we have at QB both now and in the future. He has to stop missing wide open guys and BK clearly expects him to be seeing, and really improve on his protection of himself and the ball when he runs. If he doesn't do those things, don't expect him to be the clear QB.

If there is not a competition every year for every position, I am not a happy fan.

Yes. I have a very hard time believing Golson is a lock for the job next year. Even if he starts the opener, I still think Kiel could be an option if Golson struggles some a few games into the season. All this, of course, is assuming Golson does not progress much and Kiel progresses a lot. But to say right now that it's already Golson's job is a little short-sighted, I think.

My guess is Kiel still would have to surpass Tommy before we start talking about Kiel/Golson. Not saying it isn't possible but hard to jump from 4th to first without taking 3rd and 2nd. Tommy will be a senior with tons of experience in big games, no easy task to tell him to move over.

I am not even a Tommy fan. Excuse me while I go disinfect my fingers.

It could happen. BK already said this year that if Golson were to miss significant time, that they would look beyond Tommy as the starter for that stretch. Sure, in a pinch, BK could turn to Tommy for a couple drives or to finish a game, but I have a hard time believing that if the number 2 QB is called upon for a significant period that it wouldn't be Kiel or Golson.

 

[Redbar]

Nothing destroys a team's morale and hurts their ability to improve more than closing competition for spots. When you have a senior all-american, or an all pro every one respects that, but people have to feel they have a shot. I think it will be very hard for Gunner to surpass Golson next year, but I am sure he will be given the opportunity to try. As will Malik when he gets here.

 

[50milesSE ND]

You play the best players period. Who that will be we don't know because there is a huge jump in development in a years time. Some are as good as they will ever be coming out of Highschool, while others are just beginning. These are the hidden gems that go from 3 stars to All Americans. Kelly will play the best because if he doesn' t it' s a hard sale to the other guys to keep working at their development.

 

[GBdomer]

Guy is 8-0 in games he starts and pretty much started the Miami game so 9-0. People close to the program are saying Gunner Kiel isn't ready yet and still having trouble learning the playbook. So now you want to start another redshirt freshman and go through this all over again? Look at the strides he made this year from the Navy game. If you can't tell than I am not sure what game your watching. Ya the kid gets rattled but he always comes back to respond. The kid has won at Michigan State, Oklahoma, Ireland and has every chance to win in LA and lead us to a BCS game and some of you guys still dog him and not naming him the starter next year. Give me a break. Some of you might disagree with me but that's just how I feel it is.

 

[koonja]

Guy is 8-0 in games he starts and pretty much started the Miami game so 9-0. People close to the program are saying Gunner Kiel isn't ready yet and still having trouble learning the playbook. So now you want to start another redshirt freshman and go through this all over again? Look at the strides he made this year from the Navy game. If you can't tell than I am not sure what game your watching. Ya the kid gets rattled but he always comes back to respond. The kid has won at Michigan State, Oklahoma, Ireland and has every chance to win in LA and lead us to a BCS game and some of you guys still dog him and not naming him the starter next year. Give me a break.

So Golson is the starter for the next 3 years. Do you then think Keil sticks around to start just one year or transfers?

 

[Kaneyoufeelit]

Guy is 8-0 in games he starts and pretty much started the Miami game so 9-0. People close to the program are saying Gunner Kiel isn't ready yet and still having trouble learning the playbook. So now you want to start another redshirt freshman and go through this all over again? Look at the strides he made this year from the Navy game. If you can't tell than I am not sure what game your watching. Ya the kid gets rattled but he always comes back to respond. The kid has won at Michigan State, Oklahoma, Ireland and has every chance to win in LA and lead us to a BCS game and some of you guys still dog him and not naming him the starter next year. Give me a break. Some of you might disagree with me but that's just how I feel it is.

Is actually 7-0, 8-0 if you want to count Miami. Tommy beat BYU.

The bold comment is exactly what was said about Golson last year.

 

[GBdomer]

So Golson is the starter for the next 3 years. Do you then think Keil sticks around to start just one year or transfers?

We will stick around and if he doesn't than its fine. I am a huge Gunner Kiel fan and if he beats out Golson this spring which I just don't see happening than ya he should be the QB. But so many people forget Golson has played in 9 college football games.

 

[GBdomer]

Is actually 7-0, 8-0 if you want to count Miami. Tommy beat BYU.

The bold comment is exactly what was said about Golson last year.

Your right my bad.

 

[Kaneyoufeelit]

We will stick around and if he doesn't than its fine. I am a huge Gunner Kiel fan and if he beats out Golson this spring which I just don't see happening than ya he should be the QB. But so many people forget Golson has played in 9 college football games.

So you admit that there is a competition?

 

[woolybug25]

Another thread trying to guess future QB battles? I'm glad that Notre Dame QB's dont think like you guys do, otherwise we wouldn't have anybody on our roster.

 

[GBdomer]

So you admit that there is a competition?

BK will go with the guy with the best chance to win. RIGHT NOW people around the program are saying Gunner is struggling learning the playbook(II). I don't see there being a competition because our QB with lead us to a BCS game double digit wins. Everett Golson is only going to get better. This was like after Clausen's second year when everyone was calling for his head and wanted Dayne Crist. Junior year we all know what Clausen did. What Everett has gone through will only help him down the line and making him a better QB. Gunner Kiel will be a great Notre Dame QB I just believe he is going to have to wait his turn. Could there be a competition sure? But I don't see how Everett won't win it. Just confused on why you would want there to be one?

 

[Ironman8]

BK will go with the guy with the best chance to win. RIGHT NOW people around the program are saying Gunner is struggling learning the playbook(II). I don't see there being a competition because our QB with lead us to a BCS game double digit wins. Everett Golson is only going to get better. This was like after Clausen's second year when everyone was calling for his head and wanted Dayne Crist. Junior year we all know what Clausen did. What Everett has gone through will only help him down the line and making him a better QB. Gunner Kiel will be a great Notre Dame QB I just believe he is going to have to wait his turn. Could there be a competition sure? But I don't see how Everett won't win it. Just confused on why you would want there to be one?

Because competition breeds success. Nothing stunts growth more than having no impetus to improve. Manti himself even asked the coaching staff to treat him like a freshman this year with nothing handed to him in an attempt to better himself and improve as a football player. I want competition because I believe it will make ALL of our quarterbacks better. Obviously Golson has innate advantages over the other QBs (Talent or experience), but we will keep improving as a football team as long as the QB improves as well. The best way to achieve such an end is to have competition IMO. Do I want Golson to win it? Yes I do, because I believe like you probably do that his unique skill set gives us a great chance to win every week. But I sure as hell want him to improve as well.

 

[GBdomer]

Because competition breeds success. Nothing stunts growth more than having no impetus to improve. Manti himself even asked the coaching staff to treat him like a freshman this year with nothing handed to him in an attempt to better himself and improve as a football player. I want competition because I believe it will make ALL of our quarterbacks better. Obviously Golson has innate advantages over the other QBs (Talent or experience), but we will keep improving as a football team as long as the QB improves as well. The best way to achieve such an end is to have competition IMO. Do I want Golson to win it? Yes I do, because I believe like you probably do that his unique skill set gives us a great chance to win every week. But I sure as hell want him to improve as well.

I understand and agree with what your saying now. Reps

 

[Kaneyoufeelit]

BK will go with the guy with the best chance to win. RIGHT NOW people around the program are saying Gunner is struggling learning the playbook(II). I don't see there being a competition because our QB with lead us to a BCS game double digit wins. Everett Golson is only going to get better. This was like after Clausen's second year when everyone was calling for his head and wanted Dayne Crist. Junior year we all know what Clausen did. What Everett has gone through will only help him down the line and making him a better QB. Gunner Kiel will be a great Notre Dame QB I just believe he is going to have to wait his turn. Could there be a competition sure? But I don't see how Everett won't win it. Just confused on why you would want there to be one?

Gotcha. I thought your first post made it seem like you didn't think there was anything that could happen in the off season to impact the QB position. I agree with most of what you have been saying, though.

I don't want there to be an argument every week next year about who should start but I do want there to be a legitimate push from the guys behind Golson so that he has to improve to keep the job. I saw that you said earlier the Gunner is struggling to learn the offense but that can change. I want Gunner to have the best off season he can possibly have so that in order for Golson to be our QB he has to out perform that. I believe off season competition is very good for the development of players.

 

[koonja]

As long as Rees never has a meaningful snap starting next year,

 

[Jebediah Springfield]

Unless Golson bombs unimaginably he will be the starter. Write it down.

And I somewhat disagree on the competition part. GREAT players don't need a position battle to push them to greatness.

 

[DillonHall]

There was supposedly a "competition" between Clausen and Crist back when Clausen was entering his junior season. I expect it to be a similar dynamic between Golson and Kiel next spring; I'd be shocked if Golson wasn't the starter in 2013 and beyond.

 

[Grahambo]

JC Shurburtt ‏@jcshurburtt

Top dual-threat quarterback @247Sports JT Barrett, @247Composite Malik Zaire

 

[ab2cmiller]

JC Shurburtt ‏@jcshurburtt

Top dual-threat quarterback @247Sports JT Barrett, @247Composite Malik Zaire

Was #3 in the composite rank. Now #1

2013 Football Top Dual-Threat Quarterback

 

[NDdomer2]

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Assuming Zaire signs his LOI, our QB depth will be truly amazing. There are a lot of teams (LSU comes to mind) that would kill to have Golson, Kiel or Zaire; let alone all three.

 

[Redbar]

Congrats Malik, I have said this over and over, he is a natural leader, no surprise he is number 1, leading this catagory as well.

 

[Emcee77]

When Malik committed I did not appreciate what a huge get it was. We've got Mike Farrell predicting that Kiel will transfer with Malik coming in. Just crazy.

 

[BeauBenken]

Kid's good. Was there any doubt?

He as certainly continued to get better and better. You have to love it.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

2012: Best Pro-QB
2013: Best dual-QB.

Oh, and a rising star already on the team, along side a veteran QB on the sideline.

Our QB position is absurd, in a good way.

 

[arahop]

Assuming Zaire signs his LOI, our QB depth will be truly amazing. There are a lot of teams (LSU comes to mind) that would kill to have Golson, Kiel or Zaire; let alone all three.

I believe Zaire is planning to enroll early.

 

[Old Man Mike]

Everything I've seen about Kelly tells me that:
a]. he NEVER sets anything in stone way ahead of time as far as assumptions on who is going to give the team the best chance to win;
b]. he absolutely believes in competition for every spot on the team. Someone said that great players don't need competition to motivate them; Kelly would say that great players don't fear competition;
c]. there is one pragmatic which Kelly realizes that he must ultimately employ which limits the competition at the Quarterback position: he knows that he cannot give necessary attention to 4 QBs at the same time. Even in Spring he did not like having to deal with Rees, Hendrix, Golson, and Kiel. He effectively [while claiming otherwise] cut out Kiel prior to the spring game. By August he got a break because of the Tommy incident, and could concentrate on just two [which is what he wants].

This latter "coaching intensity" requirement will still be in play when Malik rolls onto campus. Coach will be juggling these pragmatics alongside his "psychology issues" trying to keep everybody in their right minds. But we can probably makes some guesses at how it will shake out --- Everett and Gunner will get the intensity while Tommy watches more [not needing it as Coach knows that he's already set for what he'll ever be called on to do]. Andrew probably gets minimal shots. Malik is treated like Gunner last Spring.

By this method, Kelly assesses whether Everett or Gunner is most ready to lead the team to wins. Malik slowly gets the gently presented idea that it's a good idea for him to get some eligibility separation between him and Everett. Kelly won't go into Spring ball FIXED on such a plan, but his strategic mind will prefer it.

 

[koonja]

Since this is already bumped for the day, it's weird how much he looks like Golson. I mean, they're identical besides the opposite hand. Golson is on track to be a stud, so I'm pretty excited about Malik.