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Buffalo Bulls Recruiting Quarterbacks

Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Spor

2013 was the last season for UB Quarterback Alex Zordich. During his career at Buffalo Zordich played the role of the upstart freshman stepping in for upper classmen and the role of deposed upper classman displaced by an upstart freshman. Through it all Zordich gave it 100% and his usefulness as a change of pace quarterback, though underutilized by Quinn, will be missed.

With Zordich graduating the Bulls currently have four Quarterbacks on the roster. Presumptive start Joe Licata's post season injury means that UB will go into spring with three returning healthy quarterbacks.

Like Joe Licata UB sophomore Collin Michael is traditional pocket passer. He has not had a shot on the field yet but before an injury during his senior year of high school Michael was a highly sought after recruit who is built for the Quarterback position.

Tony Daniel is the most likely to replace Alex Zordich as a change of pace option. He has had productive spring games and made a play in 2011 which that was the difference in Buffalo's win over Miami. From what I have seen he is a lot like Zordich in that he is not a dynamic runner but has the instincts to use his legs when needed.

Finally there is underclass walk on Craig Slowik.who has a golden opportunity to get some reps in this spring.

With Licata and Daniel entering their Junior years this was a season where the Bulls had to pull in at least one solid quarterback prospect who could compete for the position in 2016. UB has three verbal commitments this season.

Chris Merchant Quarterback: Aurora, ON - St. Andrews College High School
Measurables: 6-2 / 180

2012 Highlights

Date of Verbal: July 18th

Rankings:
- 247: 85  -  #77 Proset QB, #1 Prospect from Ontario
- ESPN:  NR

Verbal Retelling -

2014 Bull Market Futures Report - Chris Merchant - Bull Run
Merchant is among a growing number of Canadians who are opting to play their college ball at UB. He feels that many of his countrymen are "are overlooked solely because of their nationality." He went on to tell Bull Run that he believes that UB has done "a great job of making players aware of their program" and that these players are more than capable of competing in the NCAA

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This past season the Saints played their way into the CISAA Championship game but fell to Upper Canada College by a score of 30-25. Coming into the contest Saint Andrews was a perfect 7-0 but was hampered by injuries. Even banged up the Saints scored a touchdown and conversion to take the lead 25-24 late in the contest. Unfortunately, it just wasn't enough and the Blues made two big plays to steal the win.

J.R. Zazzara Quarterback: Syracuse, NY - Christian Brothers Academy
Measurables: 6-3 / 185

2012 Highlights

Date of Verbal: August 4th

Rankings:
- 247: 79 - #52 Dual QB, #17 Prospect New York State
- ESPN: NR

Verbal Retelling -

NCAA Recruiting Buffalo - JR Zazzera - Bull Run
One of the most intriguing pulls of this class is Dual Threat Quarterback J.R. Zazzera. The Christian Brothers signal caller excelled in multiple sports and among them are football and Lacrosse. He was so proficient at Lacrosse that Syracuse offered Zazzera a scholarship on their LAX team which he accepted.

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This past season Zazzara led Christian Brothers Academy to a 10-1 record which included the Section III Class AA championship. On the year he was a part of 38 touchdowns (22 passes and 16 runs). He was and was named to the All-CNY football team as selected by The Post-Standard and Syracuse.com.

Kevin Rodgers Quarterback: Cincinnati, OH - Anderson High School
Measurables: 6-3 / 215

2012 Highlights


From Scouting Ohio

Date of Verbal: Nov 9th

Rankings:
- 247: 72 - #136 Proset TE, #140 Prospect from Ohio
- ESPN: NR

More on Rogers -

With his big fame many scouting services are considering Rodgers a more promising tight end than a Quarterback but this past season Rogers did throw for 1,300 yards, ran for another 700 and put up a total of 16 touchdowns on the board.

So while its possible that Rodgers is coming to UB as a tight end he also fits the mold of a dual threat quarterback who is a punishing runner. Someone who seems very much in the mold of Alex Zordich.