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

[Luckylucci]

I have heard nothing but criticism of MZ from his mechanics to his reads. Then I watched the Elite 11 video and from what they showed, he ended up in the top 11, had great mechanics, is elusive, and is a definite leader. The Navy SEAL drill impressed the **** out of me. He formed the Irish mob, and is a freak athlete. Then I watched additional film at camps and game film. I see nothing that would make me think he can not be #2.

While I agree that MZ is one heck of a player and will be in the future. If Golson goes down I don't see Kelly putting in a true freshman over Rees's experience. Especially considering we'll most likely be losing Kiel why waste his red shirt year when you can play Rees.

 

[peoriairish]

While I agree that MZ is one heck of a player and will be in the future. If Golson goes down I don't see Kelly putting in a true freshman over Rees's experience. Especially considering we'll most likely be losing Kiel why waste his red shirt year when you can play Rees.

I do. I honestly think Malik is smart enough to have a better grasp of the offense by season start than Golson did at the start of last season. He's a special talent and is a natural leader. I've been higher on him than Gunner since I saw his film.

 

[Emcee77]

I have heard nothing but criticism of MZ from his mechanics to his reads. Then I watched the Elite 11 video and from what they showed, he ended up in the top 11, had great mechanics, is elusive, and is a definite leader. The Navy SEAL drill impressed the **** out of me. He formed the Irish mob, and is a freak athlete. Then I watched additional film at camps and game film. I see nothing that would make me think he can not be #2.

I had heard a few months ago that Malik had been outplaying gunner in some offseason 7 on 7s. MZ is a very impressive player and is hungry to learn more and always improve.

Interesting stuff, guys. The last I'd heard is that he was underwhelming in the Semper Fi practices and game, so I never thought for a moment that Gunner was afraid of Malik, but I guess it's hard for QBs to succeed in those all-star game environments, where there is no time to learn a system and get timing down. And I'd kind of forgotten how Malik shined at Elite 11. With what you guys are saying in mind, it makes more sense that Gunner might have worried that Malik was the future and wanted to get out.

 

[Cackalacky]

Malik and Jaylon will be the team leaders in 2 years. Of this I have little doubt. Barring unfortunate circumstances, I see EG finishing it out and MZ picking it up.

httphttp://irish.nbcsports.com/2013/02/05/early-enrollees-malik-zaire/://

"Quick Take: There’s a ton to like about Zaire, another undersized athlete-first quarterback. A left-handed thrower, Zaire looks smooth in the pass game, the product of a silky delivery and natural ability. He’s also proficient running the ball, racking up over 1,100 yards on the ground last year.

With a depth chart stacked with blue-chip talent, there’s no reason to think that Zaire won’t work his way to the top of it. At the Elite 11 camp, Zaire wowed coaches with his savvy and ability, thriving in an offensive system light years different than his high school’s. Yogi Roth, an Elite 11 coach, was higher on Zaire than Notre Dame’s last two QB signees, Gunner Kiel and Everett Golson.

What it means for the Irish roster: Stability at a position that might not stay that way. With a log-jam behind Golson entering spring ball, it wouldn’t be surprising if someone transfers out of South Bend for the opportunity to play. If that’s Andrew Hendrix, it doesn’t likely factor into Zaire’s trajectory. But if it’s Kiel, Zaire could be thrust into action sooner than later."

this article from Feb 5, 2013.

 

[PANDFAN]

Malik Zaire would be the young man we are speaking of, a Senior out of Archbishop Alter High School, in Kettering, Ohio. He was one of 25 kids invited to the “Elite 11” camp that ESPN put on, and ended up making the final 11, and finished strong, ranking as the #7 QB prospect in the contest. Recruiting expert for ESPN, Tom Luginbill, loved the kid and had this to say about the Zaire -

“”If he was two or three inches taller, he might be one of most highly recruited kids in this class. His physical tools are what you’re looking for. He’s smart, with a live arm and is extremely athletic. He’s a good runner when things break down, though he might need to be in the shotgun to allow him to see the field and give him room to move.”

he truly does possess all of the tools from the head, to the arm, and legs, that should allow him the chance at being a very good, to excellent quarterback. Just like every other recruit that will be sending in their National Letter of Intent on February 6th, he has to prove it on the field, and do it consistently. You do have to love a kid that is willing to play within a system, and run it the way a coach requires, because it benefits the team though.

Based on the multiple film sessions we viewed, and other scouting analysis we read, we have a feeling that he could be battling for the starting position by the end of 2014, or possibly be your starting quarterback by the time your Irish hit the field for the first time in 2015. We understand that this is a bold statement, but one that easier to stand by, if you truly take the time to educate yourself on this young man. A lot of this will obviously depend on the growth and health of the two young men in front of him, in Kiel and Golson. At the very least, Zaire is the type of kid that will push those two to be even better, and work even harder.

Malik Zaire - Introducing Notre Dame's Next Great Quarterback | UHND.com

 

[peoriairish]

Interesting stuff, guys. The last I'd heard is that he was underwhelming in the Semper Fi practices and game, so I never thought for a moment that Gunner was afraid of Malik, but I guess it's hard for QBs to succeed in those all-star game environments, where there is no time to learn a system and get timing down. And I'd kind of forgotten how Malik shined at Elite 11. With what you guys are saying in mind, it makes more sense that Gunner might have worried that Malik was the future and wanted to get out.

Those all star games are so defensively skewed. The offense plays vanilla and doesn't have time to work together and get their timing down. I never watch them for the offense, only to scout D.

I've been under the impression gunner was going to be gone if not this year, than next. Just how his demeanor was and how Malik is amazing. To me, he seems lil the prototypical stud of a highschool player that get burned out by college. I have nothing solid to support this claim, just a feeling I've had from following his twitter and such.

Back to MZ. He's a stud. I can't wait for him to get on the feild. I think by BG game, he'll be getting 2nd team reps.

 

[Irish8248]

Just like when Kiel was going to win outright last year and EG was supposed to beat out Tommy

 

[Cackalacky]

Rees will take Luke Masa's spot, Hendrix will finish his medical degree and be signal caller, MZ#2 and EG#1.

 

[OCIrish]

@

I do. I've been higher on him than Gunner since I saw his film.

Wooly's gonna be pissed when he reads this.......has anybody heard from him since the Kiel transfer rumors?????

 

[peoriairish]

@

Wooly's gonna be pissed when he reads this.......has anybody heard from him since the Kiel transfer rumors?????

That's okay. And no. There is a thread on here of rumors of his whereabouts, however. Some solid stuff.

And Irish8248, noone's saying Malik is going to displace Everett. Just saying that he has the skills to be a solid #2 for another year or 2 and then take the reigns and be a major player.

 

[Irish8248]

A kid who has never played a down, has 2 months of work with a playbook, is going to beat out a somewhat capable starter and another with 3 years of the system under his belt? Cmon. He will RS and that's what he should want. It is very rare for any freshman to come in and play in a meaningful way. The positions you see it occur at are usually where multiple people in that position can be on the field at the same time. None are as crucial as qb

 

[WakeUpEchoes]

So we seriously think that MZ is not going to red-shirt...

 

[Cackalacky]

A kid who has never played a down, has 2 months of work with a playbook, is going to beat out a somewhat capable starter and another with 3 years of the system under his belt? Cmon. He will RS and that's what he should want. It is very rare for any freshman to come in and play in a meaningful way. The positions you see it occur at are usually where multiple people in that position can be on the field at the same time. None are as crucial as qb

False. This is a kid who picked up an entire playbook of a completely different offense in one night to become the #7 ranked QB at the Elite 11. He also has run about every type of offense at the high school level that you can run. He also has to do spring battle with a TO machine whose only saving grace is he can get you in the right play at the line of scrimmage but god help you after that, and a guy with a motor but who does not make good choices when he has played. I like his odds.

BTW I hope to god next year all backups will be doing mop up duty and MZ does redshirt.

 

[Cackalacky]

So we seriously think that MZ is not going to red-shirt...

No, I think what every one is saying is that he could be the #2 but given EG's health and us winning games, we may not need him this year. If EG is healthy and we are mopping up games, he sits. IF EG gets hurt.... well my money is on Malik.

 

[Irish Houstonian]

No, I think what every one is saying is that he could be the #2 but given EG's health and us winning games, we may not need him this year. If EG is healthy and we are mopping up games, he sits. IF EG gets hurt....well my money is on Malik.

If you're actually wagering, I'd put some vbucks on that action. I'll take Rees.

 

[Cackalacky]

If you're actually wagering, I'd put some vbucks on that action. I'll take Rees.

I'm not actually wagering but I'm game. Lets wait for the season to start. At least spring ball. No sense in making a wager that wont happen for 190 days.

 

[WakeUpEchoes]

No, I think what every one is saying is that he could be the #2 but given EG's health and us winning games, we may not need him this year. If EG is healthy and we are mopping up games, he sits. IF EG gets hurt.... well my money is on Malik.

Yeah but if EG is healthy and MZ red-shirts, that means he is running scout team right? So hypothetical: In-game, late in 1st quarter, EG gets hurt and can't play. So we throw in MZ, who has been running scout team?

I may be wrong that MZ red-shirting automatically = him running scout team, so please feel free to correct me. And I'm sure we could always have Tommy available to finish out games, and have MZ start taking first team reps the next week.

 

[WakeUpEchoes]

I'm not actually wagering but I'm game. Lets wait for the season to start. At least spring ball. No sense in making a wager that wont happen for 190 days.

There is if you consider it a futures bet and negotiate for some sick odds...

 

[alohagoirish]

I think those of you who think Malik will be #2 do not understand KELLY or the situation at QB as well as Gunner did.--Gunner realized IMO that he was not an injury away from starting but that if Golson goes down against MICHIGAN with a head bump , if he goes down in third quarter with ND up 20-16--Coach was not going to go with GUNNER--he is not going to go with Zaire--HE WILL BE GOING WITH REES!---A key reason gunner left IMO, the battle for #2 that he was very likely to lose.

I really like Malik and in 2014 with Golson #1 and Zaire #2 its going to be awesome--take your pick, Poison or pretty poison!

But in 2013 it is ABSOLUTELY going to be REES. Like it or not coach & staff have a HIGH LEVEL of confidence & comfort with REES. Rees is a senior leader and has lots of WINS on his ND resume. --As high as i am on Zaire, i think it would be HENDRIX over Zaire if it comes to that in 2013.

Golson took two springs--two falls--an entire season as scout team player of the year plus about 4 or 5 regular season games as a sophmore---it took all that before Everett finally found his footing and his stroke---and he will be terrific this year.

The staff wants Zaire to come in for TWO years after everett and as a back -up for the same offense in 2014 & 15---They absolutely WILL NOT force him into action in this season.

Patience my friends--we have a great won in Everett and a good one on the way in Zaire---in the meanwhile TOMMY will continue to do his thing if necessary.

 

[Cackalacky]

Yeah but if EG is healthy and MZ red-shirts, that means he is running scout team right? So hypothetical: In-game, late in 1st quarter, EG gets hurt and can't play. So we throw in MZ, who has been running scout team?

I may be wrong that MZ red-shirting automatically = him running scout team, so please feel free to correct me. And I'm sure we could always have Tommy available to finish out games, and have MZ start taking first team reps the next week.

This is my thinking. Tommy can spell and close. If EG gets hurt long term, we all know Tommy is not the answer.

 

[WakeUpEchoes]

I think those of you who think Malik will be #2 do not understand KELLY or the situation at QB as well as Gunner did.--Gunner realized IMO that he was not an injury away from starting but that if Golson goes down against MICHIGAN with a head bump , if he goes down in third quarter with ND up 20-16--Coach was not going to go with GUNNER--he is not going to go with Zaire--HE WILL BE GOING WITH REES!---A key reason gunner left IMO, the battle for #2 that he was very likely to lose.

I really like Malik and in 2014 with Golson #1 and Zaire #2 its going to be awesome--take your pick, Poison or pretty poison!

But in 2013 it is ABSOLUTELY going to be REES. Like it or not coach & staff have a HIGH LEVEL of confidence & comfort with REES. Rees is a senior leader and has lots of WINS on his ND resume. --As high as i am on Zaire, i think it would be HENDRIX over Zaire if it comes to that in 2013.

Golson took two springs--two falls--an entire season as scout team player of the year plus about 4 or 5 regular season games as a sophmore---it took all that before Everett finally found his footing and his stroke---and he will be terrific this year.

The staff wants Zaire to come in for TWO years after everett and as a back -up for the same offense in 2014 & 15---They absolutely WILL NOT force him into action in this season.

Patience my friends--we have a great won in Everett and a good one on the way in Zaire---in the meanwhile TOMMY will continue to do his thing if necessary.

I pretty much agree with everything you said. To play devil's advocate, I do remember Kelly saying multiple times that Golson was not really developed as a high school talent and was just raw. I think the exact quote was "Golson's playcalling in high school was snap the ball and make a play."

MZ is a little different, and a bit farther along in his development. Nevertheless, I do agree that #2 is Tommy, and MZ will red-shirt barring any major setbacks with Golson.

 

[Emcee77]

I think those of you who think Malik will be #2 do not understand KELLY or the situation at QB as well as Gunner did.--Gunner realized IMO that he was not an injury away from starting but that if Golson goes down against MICHIGAN with a head bump , if he goes down in third quarter with ND up 20-16--Coach was not going to go with GUNNER--he is not going to go with Zaire--HE WILL BE GOING WITH REES!---A key reason gunner left IMO, the battle for #2 that he was very likely to lose.

I really like Malik and in 2014 with Golson #1 and Zaire #2 its going to be awesome--take your pick, Poison or pretty poison!

But in 2013 it is ABSOLUTELY going to be REES. Like it or not coach & staff have a HIGH LEVEL of confidence & comfort with REES. Rees is a senior leader and has lots of WINS on his ND resume. --As high as i am on Zaire, i think it would be HENDRIX over Zaire if it comes to that in 2013.

Golson took two springs--two falls--an entire season as scout team player of the year plus about 4 or 5 regular season games as a sophmore---it took all that before Everett finally found his footing and his stroke---and he will be terrific this year.

The staff wants Zaire to come in for TWO years after everett and as a back -up for the same offense in 2014 & 15---They absolutely WILL NOT force him into action in this season.

Patience my friends--we have a great won in Everett and a good one on the way in Zaire---in the meanwhile TOMMY will continue to do his thing if necessary.

I couldn't agree more. I will be shocked if Malik plays next season, when we'll have not one but two seasoned veterans available as backups. Just don't see it happening.

 

[Cackalacky]

I couldn't agree more. I will be shocked if Malik plays next season, when we'll have not one but two seasoned veterans available as backups. Just don't see it happening.

Tommy seasoned- yes, but prone to TOs. I don't care who you are, Tommy is a walking turnover and TO's kill.

As I have said, I hope EG stays healthy and Rees mops up all season.

 

[Irish Houstonian]

...But in 2013 it is ABSOLUTELY going to be REES. Like it or not coach & staff have a HIGH LEVEL of confidence & comfort with REES...

Can you hold off until I get some wagers...?

 

[Cackalacky]

How many of you would argue Gunner would be #2 this year prior to his transferring news?

 

[WakeUpEchoes]

How many of you would argue Gunner would be #2 this year prior to his transferring news?

To be completely honest I wouldn't have argued that until after seeing the spring game.

 

[Irish Houstonian]

How many of you would argue Gunner would be #2 this year prior to his transferring news?

To be honest, there's a bit of difference between the "Depth Chart" and "Who Goes In if Golson Gets Hurt". TR probably doesn't get all the snaps, attention, etc., that a true #2 would get, but if Golson goes down in, say, the 3rd Qtr, Rees is going in the game. Period.

 

[DSully1995]

How many of you would argue Gunner would be #2 this year prior to his transferring news?

Yes and no, if its for one drive, end of game, its still tommy no doubt. But if Golson woulda had a season ending, gunner would have gone in with a EG/Rees dynamic from 2012

 

[Cackalacky]

Can you hold off until I get some wagers...?

a high level of confidence in interceptions and poor passing decisions. Yeah I could get down on that action.

 

[Cackalacky]

To be honest, there's a bit of difference between the "Depth Chart" and "Who Goes In if Golson Gets Hurt". TR probably doesn't get all the snaps, attention, etc., that a true #2 would get, but if Golson goes down in, say, the 3rd Qtr, Rees is going in the game. Period.

That is what I am saying. Long term injury to EG, its a open competition.