In my Friday morning story, “OSU Recruiting: Kurelic Unplugged,” one of my suggestions was for the Buckeyes to offer a scholarship to junior quarterback Malik Zaire (Kettering, Ohio/Alter). Perhaps the OSU staff read my story.
“Hey, it’s Malik Zaire,” Zaire said in a phone message. “I received an offer from Ohio State.”
The 6-foot-1 and 190-pound Zaire has led Alter to a 8-0 record this season. He has completed 29 of 57 passes for 597 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Zaire has rushed for 735 yards on 93 carries. He is averaging 7.9 yards per carry and has scored three times.
The left-handed Zaire is being compared to former Ohio State great Troy Smith. Like Smith, Zaire has a strong arm and is tough to bring down whether he is in the pocket, scrambling or on designed running plays.
Zaire attended the Wisconsin-Nebraska game in Madison a couple weeks ago and was offered a scholarship by the Badgers. He also has an offer from Cincinnati.
The Buckeyes and Badgers are at the top of Zaire’s list and he plans to be in Columbus at the end of the month when the two square off in the Horseshoe on Oct. 29 in a prime-time nationally game.
