APMichigan quarterback Devin Gardner did not end his spring on a high note, but despite some sluggish play in Michigan’s spring game on Saturday the incumbent starter feels confident that a competitive atmosphere helped him improve this spring. Whether or not you believe there actually is a quarterback competition in Ann Arbor or not, Gardner remains sure the job is still his to lose.
“Oh my goodness, it was amazing how much better (the competition) made me,” Gardner said after Saturday’s spring game, according to MLive.com. “I found myself just trying to be super perfect in everything.”
Earlier in the spring head coach Brady Hoke alluded to the quarterback position being up for grabs between Gardner and Shane Morris, who started for the Wolverines in Gardner’s absence in the bowl game at the end of last season. Though he has not closed the door on the conversation, it appears Gardner has the edge judging by Hoke’s comments following he spring game. Gardner’s spring was a difficult one at times, coming off injury and getting adjusted to a new offensive coordinator behind an offensive line looking to gel, but everything helped fuel Gardner to be a better player overall.
“Obviously you can’t be perfect, but you have to play as best as you can when there’s guys behind you competing and wanting to play,” Gardner said. “It puts a sense of urgency on you.”
The starting job should be his to lose, because Morris did not have a brilliant enough spring game to take advantage of a poor afternoon by Gardner. Even if Gardner is officially named the starter, whenever that may be, it will be critical to show a high level of consistent play in the fall. With the pressure rising on Hoke to reverse the trend Michigan has been on since he took over, no job in the field should be assumed to be safe, including Gardner at starting quarterback. If Michigan struggles, giving Morris a chance to play may not be that far out of the question in search for a spark.
Morris please! Gardner is Denard without the explosiveness.
Please be true…..PLEASE
signed me
Helped him improve????? Lmao doubtful!!
Atleast on the bright side he can’t get much worse!! Haha
Whether it’s Gardner or Morris, there’s one thing for sure: he will play the game of his life against ND & then play like shit the rest of the year.
Improve on what he looked like shit yesterday. Throwing more incomplete and interceptions
Hoke needs to move Gardner back to WR. He’s just going to provide more of the same if he stays at QB, e.g., INTs, sacks, spin moves back down the field in the wrong direction. Time for Morris to take over. Voice of Christmas Future vs. Voice of Christmas Past…. Gardner would NEVER get a sniff of the NFL as a QB. If he plays as a WR and does well this year, then maybe. Better for both him and Michigan if he recognizes this now rather than later…. Of course unless the O-Line improves we could bring Brady back and he’d look like crap, too! Frustrating to be a Wolverine alum/fan these days….
This guy is just like the rest of the program…. WORTHLESS
Hoke wouldn’t make that move until it’s too late. Players need coaching to improve, not just words. Competition should be the determining factor. Not just the QB position but how well the team plays with the QB.
Gardner looks to be in mid-season form already! That bodes well for OSU!!!