Malik Zaire is No. 1, but Notre Dame looks to identify backup QB

With Everett Golson having transferred to Florida State in the offseason, Notre Dame has an unquestioned starter at quarterback in junior Malik Zaire.

But what remains a question for the Fighting Irish is what else they have at quarterback. Despite great promise and Zaire's performance in a season-ending Music City Bowl win vs. LSU last year, Notre Dame needs other players ready to take snaps.

"It's very important for us to have that as a priority, if you will," Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said Wednesday in his preseason camp-opening news conference. "The No. 2 has to get a lot of work. That's very important to us as we script (practice). That's a conversation that's at the forefront of most of the scripting that goes on in the offensive meeting room."

The contenders for the backup role are DeShone Kizer, a 6-4½, 230-pound sophomore who hasn't appeared in a game and was Notre Dame's third-stringer last season, and 6-1, 216-pound freshman Brandon Wimbush, who was the Gatorade Player of the Year in New Jersey last season.

"Over the last couple of days," Kelly said, "I've seen a very mature individual in DeShone as well as Brandon Wimbush. Beyond his years. I think it will come down to both are capable, but we have to go out there and find out who can be a field general and command our offense."

Kelly touched on a number of other topics during his briefing:

— Senior cornerback KeiVarae Russell is back from academic suspension and already has shown to be a vocal leader in the secondary.

— Kelly would like to use two tight-end sets and says Alizé Jones might be the most likely freshman to see time on the field on offense. Kelly said Jones is ready to play and in terms of size and skill set "has all those tools." Kelly also said offensive lineman Tristen Hoge, an All-USA player from Pocatello, Idaho, has transformed himself physically in a very short time and that he wants to find ways to get Hoge in the backup rotation on the line.

— Senior C.J. Prosise (6-0½) and sophomore Justin Brent (6-1, 220) are moving from wide receiver to running back because of the great depth at the former and a lack of depth at the latter, which was exacerbated this week with the academic suspension of Greg Bryant. Kelly said Prosise "has some home run ability."

Junior Tarean Folston remains the clear starter. "He's handled the ball in many difficult circumstances and situations," Kelly said. "He's going to be called on to carry a larger load for us as a featured back. He is an established, national caliber running back."

— With their greatest strengths at offensive line, wide receiver and linebacker, Notre Dame is No. 11 in the preseason Amway Coaches Poll. And Kelly says the Irish are aware. "Our team knows where they are. They read the clippings. They also know it's not going to help them beat Texas. It's better to be ranked than not be ranked. If you're not ranked, it makes the road a lot more difficult."

PRESEASON AMWAY COACHES POLL