Wisconsin Football: Malik Zaire to Visit Campus Today

Wisconsin Football Is Set to Host Former Notre Dame Quarterback Malik Zaire

Wisconsin Football could be in for a shake up in 2017 as former Notre Dame quarterback Malik Zaire has been granted his release from Notre Dame, and is visiting with potential schools this week. Zaire is expected to graduate from Notre Dame this May, and has applied for a Graduate Transfer to make the jump to another program with one full year of eligibility, the same situation that Russell Wilson was in when he came over from NC State in 2011.

Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Zaire is scheduled to visit campus on Wednesday after talks ramped up this weekend. According to Yahoo Sports, talks have significantly ramped up between the Badgers and Zaire over the past 48 hours. Zaire’s transfer is without restriction, so he would be fully eligible to play from the start at Wisconsin or other potential schools he is considering.

While Wisconsin appears to be a front runner, Zaire has a long list of suitors after him as well. North Carolina, Michigan State, Pittsburgh, Florida, and Auburn are all on the list of Zaire. Auburn appears to be a long shot, as Zaire prefers a pro style offense vs a read option system.

If you want to play for one of the most creative offensive minds in a pro system, Wisconsin is certainly the place to go. Wisconsin has a history of taking in graduates and having success like Wilson so the track record of success is certainly there.

Zaire had a successful beginning to his career, and certainly has appeal still. Zaire started his career replacing Everett Golson of Notre Dame, and starting the first two games of the 2015 season before breaking his ankle and losing the starting spot to DeShone Kizer. Zaire played a very limited role this season, coming in for design quarterback runs. The lefty is certainly mobile, as his speed and agility is very impressive, but hes also got quite an arm. With his athleticism, its fair to say that Zaire could have a similar season to what Wilson had in his time at Wisconsin.

The obvious question is how Redshirt Alex Hornibrook will handle the possible situation, as Hornibrook and Chryst have always had a good relationship and he was expected to take over the reins completely in 2017. However, Hornibrook has had some ups and downs, and another year of polish behind Zaire is not out of the question, and I believe would be better for all sides involved. If you need some convincing, here’s a highlight tape of Zaire to show you the skill he would bring.