Ohio State Football Recruiting: 4-Star QB Chooses Irish over Buckeyes

Kettering (OH) quarterback Malik Zaire of Archbishop Alter high school announced Sunday evening that he will be leaving the state of Ohio for his collegiate career, giving a verbal commitment to Notre Dame.

“I think the school sets you up, not just for a four-year plan, but for a 40-year plan,” Zaire said, according to NBC Sports. “It can take you far in life and help you be very successful once sports are over."

The 6'1", 190-pound dual-threat QB joins offensive linemen Hunter Bivin, Colin McGovern and Mike McGlinchey as the Irish's weekend pledges. Zaire becomes the first—and likely the only—quarterback in Brian Kelly's 2013 recruiting class, and is the seventh commitment overall.

Zaire, the No. 1 player at his position in the state of Ohio (and 13th QB overall in the nation, according to Scout.com), completed 36-of-82 passes (43.9 percent) for 729 yards and five touchdowns, while rushing for 1,093 yards off 167 carries (6.5 ypc) and 15 scores in 2011. His high school team finished 10-1 and made an appearance in the Ohio playoffs.

The 4-star athlete will join a crowded quarterback roster at Notre Dame. Coach Kelly is currently hosting a four-way battle for the starting job between junior Tommy Rees, sophomores Andrew Hendrix and Everett Golson, and freshman Gunner Kiel.

Zaire received offers from Ohio State, Alabama, Arizona, Nebraska and Wisconsin, among others.

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