Summer is nearing and Malik Zaire still has not finalized his transfer decision. Because the Notre Dame transfer quarterback will be graduating, his announcement is being met with great anticipation, simply as a result of the fact that he will be immediately eligible. That nugget allows for the imagination to run wild with places that he could make an impact but word broke on Friday morning that Zaire could be delaying his choice further and that the Texas Longhorns are one of two finalists.
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Was told Malik Zaire could postpone his announcement & enjoy graduation. He's only considering two schools now. Texas is a finalist. pic.twitter.com/WOWmd3noRJ
— Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) May 19, 2017
Texas has always been in the mix for Zaire, to the point where the Longhorns were included in what was thought to be a "final three" before a Friday announcement. However, the reported delay could trace back to the Florida Gators, as a result of a weird SEC rule.
Wescott Eberts of SB Nation's Burnt Orange Nation sheds light to that end.
One consideration that could be pushing back his decision are the planned SEC spring meetings in Florida that are coming up late this month — a rather odd rule adopted by the conference last year is currently keeping the Gators from taking Zaire because two graduate transfers failed to qualify in 2015.
Commissioner Greg Sankey is on record as saying that the league will consider changing that rule, primarily because of Florida's pursuit of Zaire.
Wisconsin and Harvard have also been reportedly in the running for Zaire but the second finalist is unknown for now. There is still time for Zaire to announce on Friday but that doesn't seem likely at this point.
