To no one’s surprise, Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer will forego his final season of college eligibility and declare for the NFL Draft.
B/R Exclusive: Potential top-10 pick @DKizer_14 makes his NFL draft decision #BRxND https://t.co/YiYZp4wGqh pic.twitter.com/tTxuagvEa0
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 12, 2016
Despite middling numbers this season for a 4-8 Notre Dame team, Kizer is a potential top-5 pick in the draft thanks to a big arm and 6-foot-4 frame.
Notre Dame can’t be shocked by Kizer’s decision, but it does leave Brian Kelly and company in an odd position. Because the guy who would have likely replace Kizer under center in South Bend, Malik Zaire, announced last month his intention to transfer.
The Fighting Irish could have had two starting-caliber quarterbacks next season. Now they’ll have none.
Ultimately, Notre Dame had to pay for its reluctance to give Zaire another shot as the starter after he injured his ankle last season. After looking like a star early in his career, he attempted only 23 passes this season, completing 11. That presumably didn’t sit so well with him, so he’ll finish his career elsewhere. That’s a real hit for Notre Dame: For his career, Zaire has thrown six touchdowns and no interceptions in 98 attempts over three seasons.
So who will be Notre Dame’s starting quarterback next year?
Junior-to-be Brandon Wimbush, a former 4-star recruit, is the only QB on the roster who has attempted a pass at the college level (3-5, 17 yards), so he’s probably got the inside edge. The Fighting Irish are also bringing in 4-star dual-threat quarterback Avery Davis in their 2017 recruiting class, so maybe he’ll get a shot.
Kizer’s decision to enter the draft and Zaire’s choice to transfer mean 2017 could be a transition year for the Irish, which is not what they’re looking for after enduring their worst season in a decade in 2016.
