Notre Dame Recruiting: Can 4-Star Commit Malik Zaire Compete with Gunner Kiel?

In the last two seasons under head coach Brian Kelly, the Irish have struggled with quarterback play. Now it appears that they may be the deepest at football's most important position.

Already having two big-time recruits in Everett Golson and Gunner Kiel, Notre Dame decided that wasn't good enough and landed another top quarterback. His name is Malik Zaire, and he's a 4-star recruit out of Kettering, OH.

Now, many may think that the 2013 recruit won't see the field for a while with all of this depth, but don't tell Zaire that. This is a young man that doesn't lack confidence at all.

“I know this is going to be a challenge, as I’ll be going into college and competing against three or four guys." Zaire said. "However, at the same time I didn’t look at anything and feel I couldn’t beat it. I know it’s early, but it didn’t look like anything that was too special or something I would have to wait a year for.

“I also believe Coach Kelly believes in me a lot and I’ll be given a chance to come in and show them what I have.”

So now the question is: Can Zaire possibly beat out Kiel for the starting spot in 2013 as a true freshman?

The 4-star recruit is much like Golson, as he's a dual-threat quarterback. But watching him on film is really impressive because he's not your typical run-first quarterback.

He stands in the pocket at 6'1", 190 pounds and always keeps his eyes down field, even when he feels pressure coming. He's also not afraid to take a hit before getting the ball off.

Although he is a lefty, he throws the ball with great accuracy and has an above-average arm.

Of course, the advantage he has over Kiel is the fact that he can kill you with his legs as well. He has a stocky build and doesn't mind lowering his shoulder at times to move the chains.

He would be a great fit in Brian Kelly’s offensive scheme and would provide that playmaker at the quarterback position that could get the Irish over the hump.

But even with all of the positives, Kiel is not going to be easy to beat out. He's your traditional quarterback that has all of the traits to be the next great thing in college football. (Size, decision making, accuracy and field vision is all there)

Not to mention Zaire hasn't been a full-time starter at quarterback very long and plays in a run-first offense in high school, which has slowed his production down a bit.

Adding Zaire to the mix is only a positive for Irish fans, as he brings a lot of things to the table to be excited about.

Can he compete with Kiel for the 2013 starting position? Of course he can. Whether he will actually be able to win it is another story. And only time will answer that question.