Quarterback Devin Gardner still plans to enroll early at Michigan
Inkster quarterback Devin Gardner said Monday night he's still hoping to enroll early at Michigan.
“Then I can get some spring ball and just I’ll be able to learn the playbook, get bigger and stronger," Gardner said.
And maybe compete for a starting job, too?
“Yeah," Gardner said. "Not maybe, definitely I’ll be able to compete for the starting job."
Rated the nation's top dual-threat quarterback by Rivals.com, Gardner said his admission is in the hands of Inkster administrators.
Winter term classes at Michigan begin on Wednesday, when at least 6 members of Michigan's 2010 recruiting class are expected to enroll.
Last week, Gardner played in the Under Armour All-American high school all-star game. He completed 2 of 4 passes for 15 yards and a touchdown in helping his team to a 32-7 win, and drew rave reviews during the week of practice.
"Devin is going to be a big-time player at Michigan," former NFL head coach Sam Wyche, who coached Gardner in the game, told ESPN.com. "He's got a great personality. He's going to sell a lot of product for somebody. He can change directions no problem, and [the pressure] doesn't bother him."
Gardner called the experience "great" and "the best time of my life."
“I just once again showed that, because I didn’t have a great championship game performance, I wasn’t 100 percent, but I came out and I gave my all and turned a lot of heads," he said. "A lot of guys questioned (me) because I had one OK game."
Gardner completed just 9 of 17 passes for 134 yards and had minus-26 yards rushing in Inkster's state championship game loss to Lowell, when he was playing with hamstring and shoulder injuries.
He said playing in the Under Armour game gave him taste of what college football will be like.
"There was just so much talent, so much speed," Gardner said. (I have to learn how to read) "defenses even faster because after this week I saw how much speed there is out there. Just make reads faster, decisions faster and go wherever I make the decision."
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
bhall
Wed, Jan 6, 2010 : 3:09 p.m.
Angelique at Detnews says, "NO." http://www.detnews.com/article/20100106/SPORTS0201/1060421/1361/Star-QB-Devin-Gardner-won-t-enroll-at-Michigan-early Trying to figure out the intentions of an 18 year old is harder than predicting the weather. This kid seems to change his mind by the hour.
Sean T.
Wed, Jan 6, 2010 : 2:44 p.m.
Sparky79, His passes seem a little flat and his delivery WAS awkward but he seems to be accurate. TomHagan, When I watched the video I said the same thing.(LOL) But I'm trying to be a little more positive of RR and his program.
81wolverine
Wed, Jan 6, 2010 : 1:40 p.m.
Gardner looks like a man among boys in this video. Sort of a slightly smaller, but more accurate passing version of Terrible Pryor. Granted, when he gets to the next level, he's going to have to contend with the greater speed and size. But, he knows this. It should be an interesting competition for the starting job. I really hope Gardner can enroll early. That can only help us right now. Now, if they can convince Denard to switch to DB or receiver, we'll be even better off. Robinson needs to be on the field somewhere. His speed and running abilty are too good to sit on the bench.
InRichRodWeTrust
Wed, Jan 6, 2010 : 1:25 p.m.
The play at 1:29 was incredible.
Chango
Wed, Jan 6, 2010 : 1:14 p.m.
With Devin, in terms of speed and size it will allow us to practice week in and out against a player that looks like pryor. Him enrolling early will be good for the competition. It's all about winning, if a player shifts to a position that helps us win, then great! There have been many successful frshman QB's in the NCAA that have lead their teams to glory.
tomhagan
Wed, Jan 6, 2010 : 1:14 p.m.
Gardner will fit in well at Michigan. Jim Harbaugh will utilize his skills in the new offensive system that will both get the most out of his talents and also prep Devin for the NFL.
guns4me
Wed, Jan 6, 2010 : 12:11 p.m.
The pressure, -26 rushing.overated as always.I was hurt,BLA, BLA,BLA.
FlintMaize
Wed, Jan 6, 2010 : 11:58 a.m.
I think Gardner has the perfect size at 6-4 and around 200 lbs for RR's offense. I hope he can enroll early, however, if he doesn't, I still think he has the intangibles to be in the mix for significant playing time this fall. As I have said for sometime now, no way this 5 star dual threat QB redshirts.
Sparky79
Wed, Jan 6, 2010 : 11:49 a.m.
@Sean - I'm sold on Gardner's arm strength, but not his decision making and accuracy. Just the few passes I saw him throw at the Under Armour game, his throwing motion and mechanics need a lot of work. Looked very awkward and not pretty. While it's great he's coming in with a lot of confidence, I still think Tate has the clear advantage simply because he's been in the system a full year now, should know most of the playbook, be adjusted to the speed of the game, has the accuracy, and hopefully his decision making will be improved this fall. We throw Gardner out there, it'll be like last season, or worse yet, 2008, all over again. The playbook will be limited, true freshman mistakes, and a lot of growing pains. Tate and Denard have already been through that phase and should definitely be the QBs this year. If not, then my expectations will be pretty low.
Fresh121
Wed, Jan 6, 2010 : 10:53 a.m.
I like how he talks about reading D faster and the speed difference kids gonna be the real deal people dont understand how being 6-4 not barley 6'0 foot makes a big deal seeing over linemen not needing throwing lanes.kids gonna be the real deal RR is the worst but he recruits the top duel qb after loosing seasons, hes a damn good recruiter jury is still out on coaching though lol come on 3rd year 9-3 8-4
Sean T.
Wed, Jan 6, 2010 : 10:25 a.m.
He has a great attitude and seems to be a perfect fit for RR's spread. He's in the mold of V.Young and T.Pryor but he may be more agile. I'm still not sold on his arm strength but it's not really required for this offense. I hope he redshirts so he can learn and develop more for the future of this program.
chosen1
Wed, Jan 6, 2010 : 10:14 a.m.
like the kids confidence. Letting tate know that the starting spot isn't locked down. Hopfully he will get this taken care of and enrolled so he can be a part of spring practice