The Michigan quarterback competition is off to a fast start, somewhat literally.
Whether you believe there is a legitimate quarterback competition or not in Ann Arbor, the Wolverines are giving quarterbacks Devin Gardner and Shane Morris a healthy split of reps in practices already. Gardner is still working his way back to 100 percent after suffering an injury at the end of the 2013 season, but will likely end up being the starting quarterback when all is said and done. Morris opened some eyes with his play and preparation for the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl in Gardner’s absence last year, and he is the top contender for the starting job.
New offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier is challenging each as the Wolverines have picked up the pace in practices.
“We’re going to evaluate everything, just like every other position on our offense,” Nussmeier said in a report by MLive.com. “We want to create competition, we want guys to go out and compete.”
“Obviously with Devin getting healthy, it’s great he can get out here and get repetitions, it’s a new system for everybody,” Nussmeier, the former Alabama offensive coordinator , said. “It’s going to be fun to watch every player progress.”
The change in tempo has been noticeable for Gardner, who says he has never practiced at this tempo before.
“This was probably the fastest practice I’ve ever been a part of,” Gardner said. “I feel like, right now, there’s a lot of energy in practice. I’m happy with it. ... Coach Nuss definitely pushes tempo, makes sure we get to the ball fast, get the calls out, do everything you need to do and then get the ball hiked.”
Does this mean we may see Michigan playing more of a quick tempo offense in 2014? With so much attention being given to the defensive substitution rule proposal -- one that is expected to not have enough support -- it is intriguing to see word coming out of Michigan spring practices about a quick tempo being pushed by the new offensive coordinator, ironically enough from Alabama. Nussmeier may not be a coach that specializes in the fast offensive style, but he certainly had a chance to see first-hand how it can drain a team and give you an advantage in the SEC.