Badger of Honor
Fansided

Wisconsin Football: Malik Zaire sets timetable for transfer decision

By Trevor Jossart

Oct 15, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Malik Zaire (9) is pressured by Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Harrison Phillips (66) in the third quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Stanford won 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Malik Zaire (9) is pressured by Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Harrison Phillips (66) in the third quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Stanford won 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

A story that has seen it’s peaks and valleys, Badger of Honor has been following the trail of Notre Dame transfer Malik Zaire and his possible decision to transfer to the Wisconsin Badgers.

Former Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback has finally set a timetable on his decision for where he will choose to play football next season as a graduate transfer student.

Zaire originally announced Wisconsin as one of his first choices on his list, but the limited number of scholarships and the Badgers’ high promise on current sophomore Alex Hornibrook, it seemed Zaire would choose elsewhere.

It was then reported by many that Zaire was heavily leaning towards the North Carolina Tar Heels as top choice, especially after their quarterback Mitch Trubisky announced he would be entering the NFL Draft. Zaire ultimately postponed his decision until the Spring and the conversation got quieter as all indicators pointed towards him joining the Tar Heels this Fall.

Recently, a hiccup in that thought came to light as LSU quarterback Brandon Harris announced he would be transferring to North Carolina. With one Zaire’s major factors being playing time, the rumor he would be heading to North Carolina quickly diminished and the pool of teams he was interested in opened back up. This included Wisconsin.

Related Story: Badgers still an option for Zaire

On Tuesday, Zaire set his timeline for his decision and supposedly narrowed down his team to three- with an additional surprise in the mix. Wisconsin, Florida, Texas, and now Harvard appear to be the frontrunners for Zaire- who will make his decision within the next couple of weeks.

“He just doesn’t want to get messed over so he is going to be very, very careful, understanding that’s nothing is fully for sure but fairness,” columnist Anwar Richards Texas Longhorns Rivals was told.

Out of those teams listed, each seem to have their front-running quarterback picked out for next year, so becoming a starter would not necessarily be a sure thing for Zaire, which is perhaps a reason for adding the FCS school Harvard in the mix.

Zaire is expected to make his decision following his graduation at Notre Dame, although if something major influences his process, he is prepared to make a choice prior as well.