Notre Dame Blocks QB From Transferring To MSU, Among Other Schools
By: Will Burchfield
@burchie_kid
Michigan State will enter next season with a new starting quarterback, but it won't be Notre Dame-transfer Malik Zaire.
Per Jared Shanker, Notre Dame has blocked Zaire from transferring to 11 schools on its 2017 schedule, including Michigan State.
Zaire was named MVP of the 2014 Music City Bowl and was Notre Dame's starting quarterback the following season before breaking his ankle.
News of his intention to transfer was first reported by Irish Illustrated on Tuesday afternoon. Per the report, Michigan State was one of Zaire's preferred destinations, along with Wisconsin, Florida and Pittsburgh.
The latter three schools are still in play, as none of them play Notre Dame in 2017.
This isn't the first time that Brian Kelly and the Irish have prevented a player from suiting up for a future opponent. When quarterback Everett Golson was exploring transfer options in 2015, the University withheld his release to schools whom the Irish were scheduled to play in the ensuing season.
Although Zaire is off the board for Michigan State, another highly-regarded transfer remains on the team's radar. In October, it was reported that former Alabama QB Blake Barnett was drawing interest from the Spartans. Per the report, Barnett could make his decision as soon as Christmas.
Michigan State will bring back four quarterbacks next year in addition to four-star recruit Rocky Lombardi. Barring an acquisition via the transfer market, the lead candidate to claim the starter's job figures to be Damion Terry.
