Sun Sentinel Broward Edition

Zaire named Gators’ starting QB

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GAINESVILL­E— UF quarterbac­kMalik Zaire had to wait longer than expected, but he nowwill get his turn to lead the Gators’ offense.

Interim coach Randy Shannon announced Thursday Zaire willmake his first start forUFon Saturdaywh­enthe reeling Gators (3-4, 3-3 SEC) visit Missouri (3-5, 0-4).

“This is his opportunit­y to get this team where it needs to be and not to be satisfied just because he's the starter,” Shannon said in a statement. “Today is an opportunit­y for him to run the offense and understand the expectatio­ns that we have for him. This is not a time for him to feel comfortabl­e and feel like he'smade it.

“We want him to keep grinding and competitio­n is very good.”

Zaire will replace redshirt freshman Feleipe Franks, who averaged fewer than 100 passing yards and managed just one touchdown pass during the team’s three-game losing streak. Zaire will be the Gators’ 12th starting quarterbac­k since 2009, Tim Tebow’s final season at UF.

Zaire replaced Franks during the fourth quarter of last Saturday’s 42-7 loss to Georgia and helped prevent a shutout with a late touchdown drive. During the series, the 6-foot, 225-pound Zaire showcased his dual-threat ability, completing 3 of 4 throws for 36 yards and picking up 27 yards on a run.

Until last weekend, Zaire had not played since he replaced Franks and struggled during a season-opening loss to Michigan.

Next game: UF at Missouri, Saturday, noon, ESPN2

Edgar Thompson understand that

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