Report: Notre Dame's Malik Zaire granted release with conditions
Notre Dame quarterback Malik Zaire met with head coach Brian Kelly and was granted his release to pursue a graduate transfer, but there are some conditions, according to ESPN's Jared Shanker.
His release was first reported by Pete Sampson of Irish Illustrated on Scout.com.
Zaire is not allowed to transfer to any opponent on Notre Dame's 2017 schedule but he would be allowed to play for North Carolina. The Fighting Irish will play Temple, Georgia, Boston College, Michigan State, Miami of Ohio, UNC, USC, NC State, Wake Forest, Miami (Florida), Navy and Stanford in 2017.
After the Irish loss to USC, Zaire wrote on Instagram: ”God has given me a journey so unique and so different that Im nothing but blessed & greatful. Answering the call of greatness takes [time]. #ThxND #IrishForever #NextMoveMyBestMove #ComingForEverything.”
Zaire was the starting quarterback for Notre Dame's season-opener against Texas in 2015 and then suffered a season-ending injury against Virginia. He returned in 2016 but served as a backup for DeShone Kizer.
He
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He finished the season with 11 of 23 passes completed for 122 yards and one touchdown in eight games.
Florida, Pittsburgh, Michigan State and Wisconsin are reportedly interested in Zaire.
