Zaire “the Horse” McLaurin wants to be a Chippewa. He sealed that deal today with his commitment @coachEClark @ZaireMcLaurin

Tagged under: District 12, News, Recruiting

Billy Splain | May 16, 2020

The “Horse” is a nickname given to Zaire McLaurin by one of the current Northeast Vikings coaches, Coach Kevin, back when he had him in little league according to Vikings Head Coach Eric Clark. “”Horse” is an extremely hard worker. First in the gym and last to leave. A born leader. We can count on him to do the right thing in the classroom and on the field.”  Boasting offers from Bowling Green, Marshall and Fordham, McLaurin had a choice of quality programs and universities, but today on twitter he announced his commitment:

111% Committed… #Fireupchips🔥 pic.twitter.com/pMcfhov7BJ

— Zaire ‘Horse’ McLaurin 🐎 (@ZaireMcLaurin) May 16, 2020

“Zaire has leadership qualities that you can’t teach and toughness that you can only get being raised in a city like ours. Most versatile player on a team which is stacked with talent in some many different positions. He has played more snaps at various positions than any player on our team. From Free Safety to LB to Pass Rusher. He can do it all, and everything on special teams.” said Clark

According to Clark he’s also “beloved by his teammates and comes from a great family. His mother and father are at every game and shows our program so much support. Zaire with his multi-talent ability is coached by both our linebacker coach and our defensive back coach. Seth Shapiro and Nafis Muhammad.”

We caught up with “Horse” and asked him about his decision:

PFN: How long have you played football?

Zaire: I have been playing football since i was 6, this is my 12th football season coming up

PFN: Why did you choose to commit to the Chippewas?

Zaire: I think CMU is going to elevate my game even more and help me get to the next level.

PFN: Why commit early?

Zaire: I felt that CMU was home and didn’t wanna waste time and was ready to make things work official.

PFN: Who was your biggest influence at Central Michigan, who recruited you?

Zaire: The entire coaching staff was a big influence and from the head coach to every position coach which helped build the relationship early.

PFN: What are they getting in player like you?

Zaire: They are getting someone who is going to give their all and a leader and be there to help continue the winning tradition

PFN: What was the recruiting process like for you?

Zaire: The recruiting process was great i enjoyed the visits and camps and just going through it was nothing like it.

PFN: How did the Covid 19 pandemic affect your decision?

Zaire: The virus affected things but it never changed the communication between me and the coaches and the was the most important part.

PFN: What position were you recruited for?

Zaire: I am going to play a hybrid position of outside linebacker and a box safety position

PFN: Do you know what you’d like to study?

Zaire: I want to study sports business.

PFN: What role did your parents play in your decision?

Zaire: My parents were with me every step of this journey and they really help make things

PFN: What are you most looking forward to while playing for the Chippewas?

Zaire: I’m looking most forward to just playing and being part of the chippewa family.

PFN: Who: is the person who most influenced you in your football career?

Zaire: My dad has been a big influence in my football career always being here for me and pushing me to past my limit to get where i need to be

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