Blue and Gold Illustrated

Nov. 10, 2014

Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football

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part, thanks to the tutelage of Denbrock and the coaches alongside him — run- ning backs coach Tony Alford, quarter- backs coach Matt LaFleur, tight ends coach Scott Booker and offensive line coach Harry Heistand. And the profes- sor recognizes that influence. "Tony, Matt, Scott and Harry have all really come together as a group un- der Mike's leadership," Kelly said. "It's worked out very well." ✦ Malik Zaire's Competitive Clipboard When cramping forced Notre Dame senior quarterback Ever‑ ett Golson to the locker room during the 31‑27 loss to Florida State Oct. 18, it looked like Malik Zaire's time had finally come. The sophomore's lone action this season came in mop‑up duty against Rice and Michigan, with four rushes for 67 yards in the two games. He has yet to attempt a collegiate pass, but it looked like he was about to on the road against the country's second‑ranked team and defending national champions. Instead, Golson's return to the sideline hit snooze on Zaire's clock. "He was crushed," Irish offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock said of the backup. "You never want to be in a situation where your starter and the guy who has done a nice job of leading your offense isn't out there. We didn't have any problem with getting him warmed up and being excited about the opportunity of getting him in the game. "And then here comes Everett back out of the locker room, and the air just kind of went out of Malik for a few seconds. But then he reengaged and was ready to go." From the sidelines, re‑engaged for Zaire means watching each play as if he were taking the snap. Both to further his education and to provide the coaching staff another pair of critical eyes, Zaire charts each and every play. While third‑ string and freshman DeShone Kizer signals in the plays, wearing the quite‑noticeable red cap, Zaire watches for coverages, fronts, adjustments, blitzes, etc. "If it comes time that something does happen when he needs to get in there, he's already seeing their defense and how they're adjusting to us," Denbrock said. "What we're trying to do is be sure he's ready to go." All accounts have it that Zaire will be ready to go at any point, no matter the circumstance, opponent or venue. "He's just such a competitive kid, and he loves to play," Denbrock said. "Hopefully as we move along here, we can get ourselves in a situation where we can get him some work." — Douglas Farmer Zaire has seen action in only two games this fall and has yet to throw his first collegiate pass, but he has rushed four times for 67 yards. PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA

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