Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Malik Zaire, Corey Holmes Could be North Carolina's Dynamic Duo in 2017

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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With Malik Zaire and Corey Holmes transferring from Notre Dame, North Carolina could have two veteran playmakers join their roster in 2017.

After a 4-8 season, the Irish have lost two key players for the 2017 season. Former Notre Dame quarterback, Malik Zaire, and wide receiver, Corey Holmes, have told the University they will transfer before the 2017 season.

Like any school, Notre Dame needs to put this behind them and continue working towards a better season. With DeShone Kizer still undecided on the NFL draft, the Irish are looking for a new signal caller.

But like the say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Zaire and Holmes have named a few schools they’re considering. The one common denominator in their future college football careers, North Carolina.

Both Zaire and Holmes have said the Tar Heels are a possibility for their next home. With quarterback, Mitch Turbisky, and wide receiver, Ryan Switzer likely heading to the NFL, North Carolina is in need of new weapons. Their problems may be answered if these former Fighting Irish choose to wear the Carolina blue next year.

Zaire and Holmes were two Irish that fell to the hands of the depth chart throughout their Notre Dame careers. Before Kizer stepped into the starting role, Zaire lead the Notre Dame offense to a Music City Bowl win in 2014, and for the first two weeks of the 2015 season before a season-ending knee injury. Holmes was the unfortunate victim of a wide receiving core that had plenty of talent.

Notre Dame would have loved to utilize these two next season finally. After one of the worst year’s in program history, the Irish could’ve used veteran talent to lead the offense. It’s understandable why both players left. They can both work their way into NFL draft talks and are seeking an opportunity to prove their worthy.

These two already have chemistry. As three-year teammates, Zaire and Holmes know each other’s play as well as anybody. North Carolina may be looking for one of Notre Dame’s players. What they’ll receive may be a lot better.

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If the Tar Heels get both Zaire and Holmes next season, they could be even stronger than they were in 2016. Zaire is one of the best quarterbacks in college football who sat behind a player slightly better. With his first chance to lead a team, the Music City Bowl MVP should be one of the top passers in the NCAA next year and could lead whatever team he chooses to a top 10 season.

Holmes may not be the best wideout in the nation, but he’s certainly a starter at most programs. Whatever school he transfers to will give him a chance to be their number one receiver. If that school is North Carolina, they’ll be hoping Holmes is their new Switzer.

Together, Zaire and Holmes could turn North Carolina into an ACC Championship contender. For Notre Dame, they may see what they missed out on when they play the Tar Heels in 2017.

Maybe Notre Dame isn’t hoping for it. But North Carolina may make these former Irish into their 2017 playmakers.

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