Positive Vibes Only For Malik Zaire As He Returns To Notre Dame
Quarterback Malik Zaire arrived in South Bend on Monday afternoon as he prepares to workout at Notre Dame’s Pro Day on Thursday.
The 6-foot, 225-pounder returns to campus after playing his final season at Florida. Zaire threw for 349 yards four appearances for the Gators in 2017, but he’s looking forward to having a big day in front of NFL scouts.
“I’m trying to have the perfect day,” Zaire told Irish Sports Daily. “It’s something you train for, and when it comes, you want to do the best you can. It’s all I can ask for.”
Elev8 QB Academy has hosted Zaire for his NFL prep, and allowed him to focus on some different aspects of his game.
“I’ve been in Arizona training with Mike Giovando and some other people,” explained Zaire. “I did some different stuff this time, and I think it’s going to show up. I think I’m going to look good at Pro Day.”
In his final collegiate game, Zaire was fresh off a 23-yard run against South Carolina, when a knee injury caused him to come off the field. One play later, Zaire made his way back on the field but only to fall back on the ground untouched after getting the snap.
The Ohio native doesn’t have any injury concerns heading into Thursday’s workout, and he’s not focused on how his Florida career ended.
“I’m at 100 percent,” stated Zaire. “It didn’t end how it was supposed to, but I know God has a bigger plan for me. You keep progressing and taking each day step by step.
“I’ve continued to progress, and there’s a bigger plan for me. It’s never as good or as bad as you think. Keeping that mindset has kept me motivated.”
Zaire’s positive mentality has always kept him looking forward and Pro Day provides a chance for him to reconnect with some former teammates, which is a plus in his book.
“The thing about Pro Day is you get to control your environment,” Zaire said. “I have a good script. I’ve thrown with Josh (Adams), EQ (Equanimeous St. Brown), and Durham (Smythe) before and we’re looking forward to having a great day.
“We plan on going 50 reps.”
The chance to throw to players he’s familiar with is a positive edge and a significant reason why he wanted to do Notre Dame’s Pro Day.
“It’s a big advantage,” stated Zaire. “I’ve been with them. This is only going to make it a lot better for me in the long run. It’s not like the NFL Combine throwing to guys I don’t know. I’ll have three guys I played with and did some good things with, so it’s exciting.”
As for the future, Zaire is only focused on what he can control, and it starts with having a productive workout.
“The best thing I can do now is have a great day,” explained Zaire. “I’ve heard some good things, but I can’t really focus on people’s opinions on me. I know I can only do the best I can in the opportunity I’ve been given. It’s a great chance to show what I got and to get those guys seen by the scouts.
“It’s going to be a fun day on Thursday.”
Zaire will also take part in Florida’s Pro Day on March 28th.