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 out,” left guard Brett Heggie 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 season-opening loss to Michigan. Zaire replaced Franks and suffered five sacks and a fumble leading to a touchdown.