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Florida Football: 5 reasons why Malik Zaire isn’t guaranteed to start

By Connor Muldowney

Sep 5, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Malik Zaire (8) throws a pass against the Texas Longhorns at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Malik Zaire (8) throws a pass against the Texas Longhorns at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 7, 2017; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators running back Jordan Scarlett (25) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown during the orange and blue debut at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2017; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators running back Jordan Scarlett (25) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown during the orange and blue debut at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Chemistry takes time

There’s something to be said about a team that grows together for years. It’s tough for a new guy to come in and take the reigns while still earning the respect of his teammates. That’s the position that Zaire will soon find himself in.

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Although he has the talent to be the top option for the Gators this fall, he has to earn the respect of his teammates while developing a connection with the new receivers. That’s not going to be easy, especially with the other quarterbacks that have been on the roster for a couple of years now.

Look at it this way: if you were to get a new job in an office where the same employees have been together for multiple years and the boss asks you to be the manager, what kind of welcome would you get? Sure, college kids are accepting, but you have to realize that not everyone is going to be on board with an out-of-house player coming in to take the reigns of the most important position.

While Zaire may have the talent and the personality to win people over, it will take time. If he doesn’t develop the right connections before the season begins, he may find himself No. 2 on the depth chart, fighting for reps.

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