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

[jspags10pg]

Not sure if it's been posted but here's a good hype video of Zaire. I'm pumped!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P9GaU-HsAsQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[irishfan]

Good video. Hoping he can be our version of Dak Prescott this season.

 

[BobbyMac]

Good video. Hoping he can be our version of Dak Prescott this season.

I'll take a version of JT Barrett sans the injury... but would settle for Prescott.

.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

I am so glad they featured his block to spring TF against LSU. That play says a whole bunch!

 

[Irish#1]

Good video. Hoping he can be our version of Dak Prescott this season.

I'll take a version JT Barrett sans the injury but would settle for Prescott.

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I'll take the Malik version leading us to the playoffs.

 

[vmgsf]

How many times will Malik carry the ball this season? I do not think it will be that many times. I hope Sanford and Denbrock are smart and do not get him beat up by running more than is needed. I hope it is the threat of him running and the strategic use of him actually running. I hope the risk of him running a lot is reserved only for situations where it is necessary to win the game. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

How many times will Malik carry the ball this season? I do not think it will be that many times. I hope Sanford and Denbrock are smart and do not get him beat up by running more than is needed. I hope it is the threat of him running and the strategic use of him actually running. I hope the risk of him running a lot is reserved only for situations where it is necessary to win the game. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

Nick Marshall ran it 153 times for Auburn last year. Since the read-option is (hopefully) utilized and gradually incorporated, would about 5 carries a game (1/3 of Marshall's carries) be reasonable?

 

[Rocket89]

Nick Marshall ran it 153 times for Auburn last year. Since the read-option is (hopefully) utilized and gradually incorporated, would about 5 carries a game (1/3 of Marshall's carries) be reasonable?

Zaire will be way, way over 5 carries per game. With sacks removed Golson was carrying the ball about 8-9 times per game.

 

[kmoose]

Not sure if it's been posted but here's a good hype video of Zaire. I'm pumped!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P9GaU-HsAsQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The Malik Zaire-a begins........

 

[RDU Irish]

Not only carrying but also blocking. Golson might have laid down half a dozen blocks all season but Malik will probably come closer to averaging that per game. Combine runs and blocks for a "hits" per game and it could get up there.

I think he doubles those "hits" in bigger games and is able to lower it against the weaker opponents. If we are dominating the trenches, why not hand it off to RBs? UVA, Temple, Navy, UMass, Wake Forest and (god help us) Boston College should all be games we don't have to get cute, just line up and execute decently. No reason for Malik to take extra hits in those games.

I may be drinking some green stuff but I think close games are less frequent this year with back ups getting a more reasonable number of fourth quarter reps than we have seen for an number of years. That is as much about style of play as schedule.

 

[bkess8]

Not sure if it's been posted but here's a good hype video of Zaire. I'm pumped!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P9GaU-HsAsQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Ok let's go! Bring on TEXAS!

 

[Old Man Mike]

Malik will run the ball a lot, but Coach will remind us frequently that when we look at Malik running the offense "This too shall pass."

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Malik will run the ball a lot, but Coach will remind us frequently that when we look at Malik running the offense "This too shall pass."

Cynic, skeptic, realist or troll!

I say anything but troll!

You know how to tell the difference?

When the cynic smells the roses, he looks for the funeral.

When a skeptic smells the roses, he doesn't believe they are real no matter how aromatic, unless their thorns prick his finger.

When a realist smells the roses, he enjoys the aroma for a second, then grows a bit morose when thinks about all the manure needed to fertilize them.

When a troll smells the roses, he is ecstatic, because he knows he will have all the manure to throw he ever needs!

 

[Black Irish]

Nick Marshall ran it 153 times for Auburn last year. Since the read-option is (hopefully) utilized and gradually incorporated, would about 5 carries a game (1/3 of Marshall's carries) be reasonable?

Zaire could carry the rock 20 times a game, and as long as he's gaining yards and not getting injured, we will all so that's pretty reasonable. But the first time he goes down on a designed QB run play....cue the IE board nuclear meltdown.

 

[irishfan]

I'm hoping for ~100 carries in the season for Malik, not counting sacks and including scrambles. As long as he shows the ability to get out of bounds or get down (2 things Golson refused to learn), he can be fine carrying it 8-9 times a game.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

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

Zaire will be way, way over 5 carries per game. With sacks removed Golson was carrying the ball about 8-9 times per game.

Should have specified: I meant designed runs, not "chicken with his head cut off" runs after a breakdown.

 

[PANDFAN]

mariotta rush attempts for his years- 106/96/135

Marshall 172/153

im drawing a blank right now on running qb's but they both were running a lot and didn't get injured

biggest thing is that Malik is not some 200lbs and is actually prob more along the lines of a big back in terms of his weight

 

[IrishLion]

mariotta rush attempts for his years- 106/96/135

Marshall 172/153

im drawing a blank right now on running qb's but they both were running a lot and didn't get injured

biggest thing is that Malik is not some 200lbs and is actually prob more along the lines of a big back in terms of his weight

That, and he clearly knows how to protect himself at the end of runs, as well. He knows how to limit the damage he's taking while he works for extra yards at the end of plays. His physical makeup helps, but his mental awareness will also help limit the wear-and-tear other QB's might experience.

 

[Luckylucci]

That, and he clearly knows how to protect himself at the end of runs, as well. He knows how to limit the damage he's taking while he works for extra yards at the end of plays. His physical makeup helps, but his mental awareness will also help limit the wear-and-tear other QB's might experience.

While I agree with this, put me in the camp that doesn't want Zaire carrying the ball 20 times/game. That would be more than any single RB that we have and they don't have to worry about throwing the ball. Put it this way, Zaire would lose a lot of effectiveness if he had to play 12 straight games like he did against LSU and considering we have Stanford last, I want him fresh. Lastly, if he is having to carry it 20 times/game that probably implies we are somewhat 1 dimensional, even in the run game, if he feels necessary to keep the ball that many times.

 

[yankeeND]

I want Malik to run as many times as necessary to win each week. Like others have alluded to, it is about being smart. Get down or out of bounds, avoid contact, and make smart decisions. There is no reason Malik cannot tote the rock 100-150 times over the course of the season. It is all in a matter of how the carries are played out. Sure, it will not always be that simple, but Malik is a tough kid, and he does not fear contact as we saw against LSU. It is just unrealistic for him to take that sort of punishment for the 14 games we are going to play next year

 

[Luckylucci]

I want Malik to run as many times as necessary to win each week. Like others have alluded to, it is about being smart. Get down or out of bounds, avoid contact, and make smart decisions. There is no reason Malik cannot tote the rock 100-150 times over the course of the season. It is all in a matter of how the carries are played out. Sure, it will not always be that simple, but Malik is a tough kid, and he does not fear contact as we saw against LSU. It is just unrealistic for him to take that sort of punishment for the 14 games we are going to play next year

Those would be fairly reasonable numbers, IMO. Anywhere from 8-12.5 carries/game would be just fine by me. Keep in mind for those that think 20 is something thats doable or should happen, that equates to 240 carries over 12 games and thats not including the playoffs or bowl game. I do not want my QB taking that many shots. Like Panda illustrated above thats significantly more than Nick Marshall took and that offense is very 1 dimensional.

 

[Rocket89]

Should have specified: I meant designed runs, not "chicken with his head cut off" runs after a breakdown.

Perhaps, but that even still feels pretty low. Plus, Zaire is going to pull the ball down and run just as much if not more than Golson.

I seriously doubt we'll go a whole season with Zaire being a measured runner who only carries the ball on the read option or draw just barely over once a quarter. Kelly loved the draw with Golson, I can't imagine he won't love it as much if not more with Zaire. And it's possible that Zaire hands off a lot on the read option against weaker teams but I don't think it's in his nature to give it off when he sees daylight.

My best guess is that Zaire averages around 11 to 12 carries per game, and something in the 13 range wouldn't surprise me. A 3-game stretch of: 16 carries, 12 carries, and 8 carries feels about right.

20 per game is absolutely out of the question, but 60% of that is right in his wheelhouse.

 

[IrishLion]

While I agree with this, put me in the camp that doesn't want Zaire carrying the ball 20 times/game. That would be more than any single RB that we have and they don't have to worry about throwing the ball. Put it this way, Zaire would lose a lot of effectiveness if he had to play 12 straight games like he did against LSU and considering we have Stanford last, I want him fresh. Lastly, if he is having to carry it 20 times/game that probably implies we are somewhat 1 dimensional, even in the run game, if he feels necessary to keep the ball that many times.

Oh for sure, I don't think it will be a sign of peaceful times if he's carrying 20 times each game.

I just meant to say that regardless of his workload, it doesn't appear that he will be taking the same type of physical punishment that most "workhorse" QB's take, because of the way he finishes runs.

 

[jspags10pg]

Those would be fairly reasonable numbers, IMO. Anywhere from 8-12.5 carries/game would be just fine by me. Keep in mind for those that think 20 is something thats doable or should happen, that equates to 240 carries over 12 games and thats not including the playoffs or bowl game. I do not want my QB taking that many shots. Like Panda illustrated above thats significantly more than Nick Marshall took and that offense is very 1 dimensional.

But also very effective. I definitely agree with everything else you said tho. 20 carries per game is just asking for trouble for a QB.

I just want this offense to have a distinct identity. I agree, being multi-dimensional is best but I don't think that will be as much of a problem as some on here do. Malik can sling it just fine. Might not have quite the cannon and effortless motion that Golson has but he can still make all the throws he needs to be effective in the pass game. And certainly has all the receiving threats a first year starting QB could ask for.

 

[twig21]

Tony Rice who I consider the ultimate ND running QB averaged 11 carries a game in the Natl Championship year and it increased to 15 carries per contest his senior year. I have to think Malik is right around that.

 

[yankeeND]

Those would be fairly reasonable numbers, IMO. Anywhere from 8-12.5 carries/game would be just fine by me. Keep in mind for those that think 20 is something thats doable or should happen, that equates to 240 carries over 12 games and thats not including the playoffs or bowl game. I do not want my QB taking that many shots. Like Panda illustrated above thats significantly more than Nick Marshall took and that offense is very 1 dimensional.

Absolutely! Considering Zaire is much more capable with his arm, he shouldn't have to. The important thing to all of this though is that Zaire is an elite runner with a football in his hands. As long as Kelly, Denbrock, and Sanford incorporate this into the game plan, we are a much more dangerous team. It will also open things up for Folston, Bryant, and Prosise in the run game and Fuller and Brown over the top through the air. We have elite offensive talent, we just have to utilize it in a way that will allow them all to thrive. IMO, it starts with Zaire and his feet. The rest will be a product of the success he has, opening everything up for the rest of the offense. This will all be possible because we have an offensive line that is capable of punishing of their opponents. This should be Kelly's most powerful offense at ND and I don't think it is even close.

 

[Luckylucci]

Perhaps, but that even still feels pretty low. Plus, Zaire is going to pull the ball down and run just as much if not more than Golson.

I seriously doubt we'll go a whole season with Zaire being a measured runner who only carries the ball on the read option or draw just barely over once a quarter. Kelly loved the draw with Golson, I can't imagine he won't love it as much if not more with Zaire. And it's possible that Zaire hands off a lot on the read option against weaker teams but I don't think it's in his nature to give it off when he sees daylight.

My best guess is that Zaire averages around 11 to 12 carries per game, and something in the 13 range wouldn't surprise me. A 3-game stretch of: 16 carries, 12 carries, and 8 carries feels about right.

20 per game is absolutely out of the question, but 60% of that is right in his wheelhouse.

Well put, reps.

I'll simply add that there were a few takes that he had against LSU that should have been gives. I'm not saying that to nitpick Zaire just to illustrate that we could easily run the ball with the same success without him having to carry it that many times. Also, the OL play should be improved which will make the inside zones and various run concepts look more attractive.

 

[yankeeND]

Well put, reps.

I'll simply add that there were a few takes that he had against LSU that should have been gives. I'm not saying that to nitpick Zaire just to illustrate that we could easily run the ball with the same success without him having to carry it that many times. Also, the OL play should be improved which will make the inside zones and various run concepts look more attractive.

That's a really great point, but can be corrected with experience.

 

[Luckylucci]

But also very effective. I definitely agree with everything else you said tho. 20 carries per game is just asking for trouble for a QB.

I just want this offense to have a distinct identity. I agree, being multi-dimensional is best but I don't think that will be as much of a problem as some on here do. Malik can sling it just fine. Might not have quite the cannon and effortless motion that Golson has but he can still make all the throws he needs to be effective in the pass game. And certainly has all the receiving threats a first year starting QB could ask for.

How effective was the offense when they scored 7 on UGA? or 23 on Mississippi State and 20 on KSU? When teams were able to stop them on the ground, they lost. Thats the definition of 1 dimensional. You stop what we're good at and we have nothing else.

The reality is if we want to make the playoffs or a big time bowl game, we can't have games like those above because we'll lose like they did and won't be there in the end.

Lastly, to the bolded, nobody is saying he can't or won't but if he is running the ball that many times it more than likely means we aren't having success throwing the ball because BK isn't going into this season with the thought that our QB is running the ball that many times/game. Could there be a game or games where its needed, yes but it won't be by choice because we're having so much success other places.

 

[IrishLion]

Well put, reps.

I'll simply add that there were a few takes that he had against LSU that should have been gives. I'm not saying that to nitpick Zaire just to illustrate that we could easily run the ball with the same success without him having to carry it that many times. Also, the OL play should be improved which will make the inside zones and various run concepts look more attractive.

The biggest one that jumps out to me by memory was a 4th-and-short. I got faked out watching the game, and I think the camera guy did too, but it appeared that Malik handed it to Folston, and Folston jumped through a gap in the LOS for what appeared to be a big first down and possibly more... but Malik had actually kept it, and got brought down in the backfield. More reps as #1 and these things will flow smoothly (hopefully).