Ohioan Malik Zaire is poised to lead Notre Dame — which Sports Illustrated pegged as the nation's No. 4 team — after an offseason in which he fully supplanted former championship loser, Everett Golson.
And let's just say Zaire doesn't lack confidence.
From Mike Vorel of NDInsider.com's profile of the Irish QB:
“When I walk on the field, I honestly believe I’m the best guy out there,” Zaire says flatly. “There is no better player than me on the field. I know I can get it done. That’s what keeps me focused, knowing that these guys are looking at me to run the show. You have to perform when you’re asked to perform, and that comes down to confidence. If you’re not confident, why are you out there?”
[...]
This is perhaps Zaire’s greatest strength, that unshakable self-assurance that inspires followers and breeds success. There is no stage too large for No. 8, no challenge deemed insurmountable. That’s why, when Zaire was asked in spring 2013 if he expected to start ahead of returning conqueror Everett Golson, the underdog didn’t bat an eye.
“I said, ‘Yeah, I’m going to start,’” Zaire says, as if it’s the most obvious thing on Earth. “Why would I ever say someone should start in front of me? Why would I be here?
“What kind of confidence is that? You should always feel that you can do that job.”
That's the kind of swagger that propelled Cardale Jones to a B1G Championship Game MVP and two bowl victories. Zaire going nova would certainly help the Irish's chances.
