Michigan QB recruit Devin Gardner: I start classes Tuesday
Quarterback Devin Gardner said Sunday he’s been cleared to enroll early at Michigan.
“I start on Tuesday,” Gardner said after the Michigan-UConn basketball game. “I don’t know what the holdup was, but it finally got done.”
Inkster High School quarterback Devin Gardner may enroll early at Michigan. (File photo)
Gardner, the prize of Michigan’s 2010 recruiting class, was certified by Inskter officials late last week as having met the district’s requirements for graduation.
He was on campus this weekend for an official visit, and spent part of Sunday’s game sitting next to Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez.
Rodriguez said six 2010 recruits already have enrolled in classes - receivers Jeremy Jackson, Ricardo Miller and Jerald Robinson, running backs Stephen Hopkins and Austin White, and offensive lineman Christian Pace - and Michigan has “one more spot open” for an early enrollee.
“That could or could not be filled,” Rodriguez said. “Hopefully it will, sooner rather than later.”
Michigan is expected to officially clear Gardner on Monday. The school does not have classes because of Martin Luther King Day, but some offices are open.
As an early enrollee, Gardner will be eligible to take part in spring practice. He’s expected to compete with Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson for the starting quarterback job.
“It means a lot,” Garder said. “Just more opportunities. I’ll have a better chance (to start).”
Rodriguez said Michigan can sign up to 26 recruits this year.
“We probably will,” he said. “We don’t want to take a guy just to take a guy, but we’ll probably go 26.”
Dave Birkett covers University of Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at 734-623-2552 or by e-mail at davidbirkett@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.
Comments
tulsatom
Mon, Jan 18, 2010 : 7:45 p.m.
Having Gardner participate in spring practice is very important if he wants to really compete for playing time. I am disappointed that none of the defensive guys enrolled early, which is the side of the ball where U-M needs the most help.
chosen1
Mon, Jan 18, 2010 : 7 p.m.
Spring practice just got a whole lot more intriguing. Can't wait for the spring game.
Man in the Mirror
Mon, Jan 18, 2010 : 1:59 p.m.
Tate's going to be holding a clip board and wearing headsets most of the upcoming season waiting for his turn. I wonder if he will transfer after next year?
truebluefan
Mon, Jan 18, 2010 : 12:40 p.m.
It is very important that Denard makes huge strides this spring, summer and fall with his throwing and decision-making. He needs to be a more solid backup to Tate. I would rather see DG redshirt than burn a year sitting mostly on the bench.
jondhall
Mon, Jan 18, 2010 : 9:31 a.m.
Nice move U of M! Get them early before they defect like communists or double agents! congrats to the recruiter who bought this new meat to the dinner table!
81wolverine
Mon, Jan 18, 2010 : 8:55 a.m.
Good news for Michigan. DG is probably our starting QB of the future, and the sooner he starts learning the system the better. The competition between him and Tate is going to be REALLY intense though. But, that's a good thing I think. Denard needs to be switched to another position to get him on the field more (did everyone see that he won the 60 meter dash at the Michigan-OSU track meet over the weekend?). If he has any interest in playing at the professional level, it's NOT going to be at QB. So, the sooner he switches the better. Of course injuries could change this, but we'll have to see.
buzz
Mon, Jan 18, 2010 : 5:22 a.m.
WOOT!!! looks like DG will have a chance to take some snaps as a true freshmen. It will be awesome to see DG, Tate, and DR compete it out for the starting spot. Tate was brilliant last season even wit injury, DR just has to work on his accuracy and decision-making and he'd be a force to reckon with. DG will take snaps and will get the experience. Cornelius jones should also be in consideration too. I saw some a video of him playing, he'd looked good. If he worked on his throwing he'd be another threat. Defensive recruits have been pouring in and looks solid, may not be like Florida's recruiting but looks promising step to greatness for UM. Looks bright for UM overall maybe RR and UM's bad-luck will finally go away =D. GO BLUE!!!!
HailToASquared
Sun, Jan 17, 2010 : 7:52 p.m.
There's obviously no un-named source.. but anyways, yeah there is a chance of some drama eventually. 3 very talented/gifted QB's who all will be sophomores and freshmen in the fall.. who all want to be Michigan's starting QB for their entire tenure. Unless Denard Robinson moves positions there is definitely going to be some sort of problem. BUT- it's a good problem to have. People will laugh at UM (well, sparty fans will) if one eventually transfers but I'd rather have this issue rather than a QB start who is pretty good and the back up QB be a liability if needed to play. During this next season, or definitely by the one after they should have 3 QB's who can be trusted to run the offense. As for what may happen. I think Rodriguez wants Gardner to be his man more than any of them. I think he wants to keep Robinson too no matter what (it would hurt SO bad to see him and that speed go to another team and tear it up for 2-3 years). If Forcier isn't down for splitting some snaps he may be the odd man out after a while. Who knows what will happen, but like I said- its a good problem to have if anything.
Chango
Sun, Jan 17, 2010 : 4:48 p.m.
Coolness! It seemed like that was unfinished business when it was first reported tat he was not coming early. Sounding like he was still trying to get in early. Also it looks like we are 1-2 schollies away from a full class.