Zaire working for an opportunity

GAINESVILLE — Each day after practice, backup quarterback Malik Zaire toils in the Florida heat, working for his next opportunity.

“I think he’s the last one said.

Zaire’s extra effort might be for nothing. Or it could be the difference in the Gators’ season.

Luke Del Rio’s season-ending collarbone injury has moved Zaire behind redshirt freshman Feleipe Franks, who will start for the No. 21 Gators (3-1, 3-0 SEC) Saturday in the Swamp against LSU.

Zaire has not played since struggling during a seasonopening loss to Michigan. Zaire replaced Franks and suffered five sacks and a fumble leading to a touchdown.

The next time coach Jim McElwain switched quarterbacks, he swapped Franks for Del Rio, who led a Gators’ comeback at Kentucky to earn the starting nod last Saturday against Vanderbilt.

McElwain now is running out of options. When he arrived in June, many expected Zaire to assume a starting role. With seven regular-season games to go, he still could. Zaire opened the 2015 season Notre Dame’s starter, but lost the job due to injury. Each day at UF, Zaire shows teammates he’ll be prepared if called upon.

“Malik has been that way since he got here,” receiver Josh Hammond said. “Hard-working guy, just always trying to get better. He’s just waiting for his opportunity and when he gets it, he’ll definitely take advantage of it.”

Next game: No. 21 UF vs. LSU, Saturday 3:30 p.m, CBS out,” left guard Brett Heggie