Devin Gardner Makes A Statement

Before Saturdays match-up against Minnesota, Michigan's quarterback situation for 2013 was seemingly all but decided.

With 2012 being Denard Robinson's senior season, it was assumed that current high school recruit Shane Morris would be taking the reigns of the Michigan offense next fall. But after an impressive showing from Devin Gardner on Saturday, it appears Michigan may have a future quarterback controversy on their hands.

Michigan 2013 recruit, Shane Morris

Morris (seen right), is a Michigan native who hails from Warren De La Salle high school. Currently, he is listed by ESPN as the nations 26th best recruit for the class of 2013; 4th overall at his given position of quarterback.

For many, he encapsulates everything that a traditional Michigan quarterback should be. A polar opposite from Denard Robinson and Devin Gardner, Morris is an under-center pocket passer who relies more strongly on his arm than legs.

On Saturday, Brady Hoke made a literal game-time decision, and decided to give Devin Gardner the nod at quarterback. This decision was influenced by a lingering nerve injury in the throwing hand of Denard Robinson suffered a week earlier at Nebraska. This injury sidelined Robinson for the remainder of the loss against the Cornhuskers, and also exposed freshman red shirt quarterback Russell Bellomy to be far from game ready.

Gardner, who in 2011 was less than impressive at quarterback, made the switch to wide receiver this season. With Bellomy clearly not ready to take the field again, Gardner took snaps in practice all week leading up to Saturday's match-up against Minnesota.

After a shaky 1st quarter for Gardner that included an interception, he settled in and had one of the better quarterback performances that Michigan had seen in quite sometime. Gardner finished Saturdays 35-10 rout of Minnesota with 12 of 18 passing, 234 yards, and three total touchdowns (one rush TD). His first touchdown (see video - 1:07) in the 2nd quarter jump started his entire performance.

Shane Morris chose to become a Wolverine after refusing offers from both Alabama and rival Michigan State. It was presumed that Brady Hoke would return the favor next fall and choose Morris to be his starter. Devin Gardner has now made Hoke's decision far from final.