Confidence, composure, work keep Devin Gardner in the hunt for Michigan's starting quarterbacking job
Freshman quarterback Devin Gardner enrolled early at Michigan to get a fast start on learning Rich Rodriguez's offense.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
Devin Gardner is the new kid. He’s neither the fastest candidate for the Michigan football team’s starting quarterback job, nor the most experienced.
Gardner enrolled for his freshman year at Michigan in January, eager to use the spring to get acclimated to coach Rich Rodriguez's program. The extra time also gave him the chance to put himself on the same competitive stage with last year's starter, Tate Forcier, and the speedy Denard Robinson.
Gardner attended every voluntary workout and spent extra time watching film. Now, less than two weeks remaining before Michigan opens its season at home against UConn, the 6-foot-4, 210-pound freshman is in the running for the starting position.
"He's battling for the job, for sure," Rodriguez said Sunday.
Gardner has been in this position before. As a freshman at Inkster High School, Gardner eyed the starting job, which, at the time, a sophomore had the inside track on. Gardner made a strong enough first impression to capture the spot, which he held onto for the remainder of his prep career, which he capped his senior year by passing for 1,930 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also rushed for 991 yards and scored 12 touchdowns while leading Inkster to the Division 2 final.
The challenge Gardner faces now is more daunting. Sophomores Forcier and Robinson both have a year's experience. In the short time Gardner has been in Michigan's program, though, he has made strides, showing effectiveness with both his arm and his feet.
"He's got very good composure for a freshman,” Michigan quarterbacks coach Rod Smith said. "He has that knack to make plays, and he knows where to go with the football. He makes mistakes, but he's a coachable kid. We'll get on him, but you know he's going to take it and correct it."
Gardner studies his competition. He watches Robinson run and is amazed as his natural speed. He sees the way Forcier confidently carries himself and admires his decision-making ability. But Gardner understands part of his job is to try and separate himself.
Gardner believes when things break down around him, he can make something happen. He believes he can manage both the running and passing aspects of his position and understands his size allows him to effectively absorb hits.
"I feel like I'm doing way better (than early on), but I know I need to do even better," Gardner said Sunday. "There is still a lot I need to do."
By his own assessment, Gardner demonstrates the ability to stay in the pocket longer than his two competitive counterparts. In high school, he knew his feet could get him out of trouble - even if that meant running over oncoming tacklers. But now, facing bigger and stronger competition, he admits he won't be as eager to take off.
"If I just start running now, it may not end well for me," he said.
Gardner definitely has caught the attention of Rodriguez and Smith.
"He's a kid that's going to do what it takes to put himself in the best position to give himself a chance to play," Smith said. "There are flashes where you say, 'Wow - this kid is going to be special.' But then there's times you say, 'Uh, this kid's a freshman.' But he's got it in him."
That's where the fun part comes in for Gardner. Although Rodriguez hasn't ruled out the possibility that he could be Michigan's starter, Gardner is realistic enough to know he's not the favorite. For Gardner, what's important is that he is still in the running. Gardner is open to redshirting his first season, but he would rather play.
"I feel like I've got a shot," Gardner said. "Obviously, the coaches all see that we're all doing well. Some people may think it's all for show, but we're all doing well."
Rodriguez hasn't set a timetable for when he'll name a starting quarterback. Gardner doesn't mind waiting.
"We probably won't find out until the night before the game," Gardner said. "Or maybe even the day of the game. But I love to compete - that's probably one of the best things about me. I knew it was going to be rough and that I was going to compete with two great guys, and I think that's what drew me in the most."
Jeff Arnold covers sports for AnnArbor.com and can be reached at (734) 623-2554 or by email at jeffarnold@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @jeffreyparnold.
Comments
15crown00
Wed, Aug 25, 2010 : 6:02 p.m.
bets are Tate can run better than Robinson can pass.Tate 's clearly the best passer and since the job of running backs is to RUN you go with the QB that can pass the best and is the most experienced starting QB. Rich Rod has himself another mess.
15crown00
Wed, Aug 25, 2010 : 5:54 p.m.
He's probably the best of the three or wil be in the future.Problem is what do you do with Tate?
Jaxon5
Tue, Aug 24, 2010 : 7:02 p.m.
Drs Steelmen and umgoblue47, I am not referring to Forcier being pulled due to concussion, but I enjoyed reading your comments. Anyway, UM's 3 options are unproven as reliable performers as of right now, and none of them are mentioned by knowledgeable observers of the game as likely high performers this season. There is only one way to go and that's up.
umgoblue47
Tue, Aug 24, 2010 : 4:24 p.m.
jaxon5... if rr had left tate in the iowa game and he had gotten more injured you would be posting "any coach that doesen't pull an injured player demonstrates a lack of concern for his player's safty" right... all three qb's will play, but dg is the real deal...
Lorain Steelmen
Tue, Aug 24, 2010 : 2:03 p.m.
Jaxon5.....Forcier @Iowa, 2009. Hmmm, let's see, That would be the game in which Forcier had a concussion. So I guess you would have sent him back out there for the win. Maybe we should have more coaches like you, and fewer 'softies', like Rodriguez! You know, guys that demonstrate 'confidence in their starting QB'. I like having THREE strong QB's, all of whom can start, and play, and, as RR would say, 'that we can win with'! I favor a coach who anticipates the need to play all three, and knows that the team has to be comfortable with ALL THREE! Sorry, Jaxon, but I think I'll stick with RR and the three muskateers for now! Thanks anyway!
JimRhatt
Tue, Aug 24, 2010 : 5:56 a.m.
All 3 will play a lot. My guess is that DRob will start the first 5 games. Tate may be a better closer, if needed. By game 8, Gardner will be the starter for as long as he is healthy and stays in college. IMO
Jaxon5
Tue, Aug 24, 2010 : 5:09 a.m.
So, UM has 3 QBs from which to choose. But it has 1 coach who demonstrates a lack of faith in his lead QB and pulls him out of the game at key or pivotal moments. (Forcier, @ Iowa, 2009)
MikeB
Tue, Aug 24, 2010 : 4:57 a.m.
Redcedar1 "Can anyone remember when a Freshman QB did not start at um?" Was it in the mid-70's before Rick Leach?, Then Chad Henne, didn't they do OK? At least against the instate rivals. i may have forgotten some though.
Sean T.
Tue, Aug 24, 2010 : 12:48 a.m.
Heartbreak, Actually,If you stood next to him, you'd think he looked like a stick. He's in really good shape but he seems ultra thin in person and the funny thing is he's looked like this since his junior year. My bet is he'll be 15 pounds bigger by next spring and then you'll really be amazed.
amaizenblueballs
Mon, Aug 23, 2010 : 9:15 p.m.
HeartbreakM - agree. When I saw the picture of the three qb's together only the one in the middle (DG) looked like someone who might strike fear into our foes. It will not bother me at all if he does not redshirt. If he can contribute we should use him as it will speed his development. Athletes of his potential are not 5 year students.
heartbreakM
Mon, Aug 23, 2010 : 8:32 p.m.
This guy is a first year? Do you see his arms? Wow.
BornInA2
Mon, Aug 23, 2010 : 8:15 p.m.
"It's clear that Um has three guys capable of running the ofense." That's not clear at all. What seems to be clear is that there is no front-runner, which doesn't mean any of them are good. Tate is or was in the doghouse and got progressively more hurt and inconsistent last year. Denard was inconsistent at best last year. Gardner looks to me like the only one who might be able to survive the upcoming season without injury, but he's a freshman and expecting that he'll not play like one is misguidedly optimistic. My prediction: This season will look a lot like last season: Some flashes of brilliance early, but quickly fading into another dismal set of Saturdays with an undersized team that was fast until many were hurt losing a lot of football games while their coach blames other people and events for his failings. And the cherry on top will be another bowl-less year for us. Meanwhile in Arkansas, Ryan Mallett competes for the Heisman. I *really* hope I'm wrong about the former, but this spring and summer have sounded just like last spring and summer (minus the few standout players from last year), so I'm not seeing a lot to indicate that the W-L results will be much different.
spartyisyourlilsister
Mon, Aug 23, 2010 : 8:03 p.m.
Can anyone remember the last time the Spartys won a Big Ten football championship?
TrueBlueinOH
Mon, Aug 23, 2010 : 6:54 p.m.
Macabre, are you referencing the Harry Potter series villain? If so, it's "He-who-must-not-be-named". I also think they need three competitive guys in the mix due to likely injuries.
81wolverine
Mon, Aug 23, 2010 : 6:09 p.m.
I've said this a number of times on this site, but I strongly believe Devin is the QB of the future here. He has great intangibles, size, strength, good running speed, positive attitude, and a strong work ethic. His throwing mechanics can be easily fixed. Although redshirting would be good in an ideal world, I don't think Michigan will be able to do it with him. It's a high liklihood that one of the other guys may get injured for part of the season. In that case, we'll need him. But, he's in a good situation because unlike the other two guys, Devin doesn't have to be the starter as a freshman. He can spend time watching and learning this season, and be there if he's needed at some point. But, I'm excited about him in the future. LOTS of talent and potential.
win
Mon, Aug 23, 2010 : 5:14 p.m.
It's clear that Um has three guys capable of running the ofense. The real questions is, does one stand out to the point that he can "lead" the team. If this is the case, Tate is probably on the outside looking in due to his off season issues. Dgardner is just too young at this point. The offense has a chance to be very good and can't afford the learning curve he will experience. That leaves Drob. Clearly the best athlete of the bunch. But is he enough of a threat as a passer? He showed something in the spring game, but that was against a bad defense that won't be much better this year. Who gives us the best chance at this? I wish Tate wasn't such a head case, because he has shown he can make plays in this offense. I guess we'll see. I have a feeling our offense will have to put 31 to 35 pts per game for us to have a chance in most games.
Boo
Mon, Aug 23, 2010 : 4:41 p.m.
Devin could be our qb of the future, he needs to grow and mature a bit first. the best thing for HIM is to redshirt this year.. however rich rod isn't going to let that happen because his job is on the line and devin could be effective right away.. rather then letting him grow and develop into a better qb for the years to come, because rod knows this is his last year.
Macabre Sunset
Mon, Aug 23, 2010 : 4:30 p.m.
I think we're basing far too much on what Denard did against the second string of one of the worst defenses in the entire FBS last season. He needs to be in the mix this season. With he-who-cannot-be-named's gimmick variation of the spread, it's actually to the team's advantage to use more than one quarterrunningback. And we can count on injuries as well.
InsideTheHall
Mon, Aug 23, 2010 : 4:08 p.m.
The best thing for the program is for him to red shirt. He will be a three year starter if he does.
GoblueinNE_PA
Mon, Aug 23, 2010 : 4:03 p.m.
I'm hoping he red shirts as well. Watching his hi-lights, he's got an awkward delivery that some good coaching could help fix. He's got a little bit of Pryor in him, from that perspective. If they can fix that kid's throwing motion, we should be able to get Devin coached up.
A2D2
Mon, Aug 23, 2010 : 3:59 p.m.
Nice problem to have. Apparently the scrimmage was an "if we let you come in and watch, you have to promise not to take pictures or talk about it" kind of thing. But from what's available at various blogs, it looks like: 1. Denard is the clear starter 2. Tate ran mostly with the 3's, but saw time witht the 2's and 1's 3. DGardner & Tate are in a dead heat for 2nd string. Great problem to have: last year's starter is now verging on being #3.. Now if it only worked that way with the defense.......
Forever27
Mon, Aug 23, 2010 : 3:04 p.m.
I'd like to see him redshirt. Give him an extra year to develop and do the #7 jersey honor with a great career as our QB. As for now, let either Tate or Denard run the team, with the other as a solid back-up.
Sean T.
Mon, Aug 23, 2010 : 2:49 p.m.
I believe he can be a good QB in the Future but I'm a little hesitant to say his time is now. But hell, Tate did a okay job last year.