Former Notre Dame quarterback Malik Zaire still hasn't decided where he'll transfer for the 2017 season, but a timetable has been set. So, too, has a list of finalists, and it includes an interesting option.
Orangebloods.com reports that Zaire is heavily considering Florida, Texas and Wisconsin but has added Harvard of the Ivy League to his list. Zaire "intends to finalize his decision within the next two weeks" and an announcement is expected in May following his graduation from Notre Dame. Notre Dame's graduation ceremonies take place from May 19-21.
Harvard would certainly be a unique landing spot given his other choices, but Florida remains the strongest possibility as there is apparently strong interest by both parties. However, a portion of the SEC graduate transfer rule implemented in January 2016 is currently preventing the Gators from taking Zaire because former grad transfers Mason Halter and Antony Harrell were declared academically ineligible in December 2015.
The SEC could re-examine the rule during its spring meetings in May, clearing way for transfers like Zaire to make their way into the league.
"It will come up," conference commissioner Greg Sankey said, via SEC Country. "I do think we need to look where we've been restrictive in the past because of the absence of national rules and look at reducing some of those restrictions. I'm one who would position it as interest in freeing things up without just removing every restraint, because I think the restraints have been healthy for us."
Until then, Zaire has to play the waiting game to see if he would even be allowed to transfer to the Gators.
Zaire also has close ties to Texas offensive coordinator Tim Beck, who recruited the quarterback out of high school. Zaire went 19 of 22 for 313 yards and three touchdowns vs. the Longhorns to open the 2015 season.
