Though the Florida Gators have been to two straight SEC Championship games, they have done so by the skin of their teeth. None of their teams have put up much of a fight in the Conference Title Game, and that comes down to the old – but popular – saying of late: They are just one quarterback away.
The graduate transfer from Notre Dame, Malik Zaire, may be exactly what they need. After getting injured early in what was supposed to be his breakout year, Deshone Kizer took over and never stepped back – ultimately being drafted by the Browns in this year’s NFL Draft.
Through his stint with the Fighting Irish, Zaire completed 59% of his throws for 816 yards, six touchdowns, and no interceptions. He also ran for 324 yards on 72 attempts, adding two scores on the ground.
The 6-foot-tall, 220-pound quarterback should find himself in a great position come Fall. The Gators return their top two leading-rushers from 2016, in addition to their star receiver, Antonio Callaway – should he be cleared of his second set of drug charges and stay free of suspension.
Though Zaire was replaced at Notre Dame, he was replaced by an elite talent, and that race was supposedly a close one when he got healthy. What will be the most important aspect of the season, is whether or not he remains healthy, otherwise he is a natural day-one starter.
Despite the post-spring favorite, Felipe Franks, being the expected number one, Zaire would likely have chosen to go elsewhere had he felt he would not get a chance to start. With multiple seasons and real-time game experience under his belt, Malik should easily roll into Fall as the prohibitive favorite. Not only does this give Florida an experienced talent at quarterback week one against Michigan, it gives redshirt-freshman Franks a chance to dip his toes in the water as a backup. In blowout games and against cupcake teams, Franks can come in and give the second team a spark, at the same time earning himself much needed game experience.
Malik Zaire was a highly touted, dual-threat quarterback prospect coming out of high school in Dayton, Ohio. The buzz around him built to very high levels before ever playing a meaningful snap in South Bend. His ability to develop accuracy to go along with his strong arm will define the last few chapters of his collegiate career. Until then, his legs will help turn one of the worst offenses in the league into what should be a dynamic one.
In 2017, Jim McElwain and his Gators may finally have an offense to add to their top-ranked defense. The Swamp this year may be louder than it has been in a long time.
Just remember, Florida fans, what happened last time you were favorites in the SEC Championship game. Do not think for a second the Tide won’t be looking to make Zaire cry this time around.
J.A. Weaver is a lead writer for TD Alabama Magazine and Bama Hoops Hype. You can contact him via phone at 205-612-5060, or on Twitter @JWeaver_TDALMag
