The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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person, so that's just how I'm going to play. Our DBs are very competitive, so if you're not, you're going to get discouraged." Everyone's defensive backs look at wide receivers as potential target practice. Borges remains well aware of the fact that Gardner could be in harm's way as a receiver, and he's monitoring the progress of third- string QB Russell Bellomy throughout fall camp. While chances are slim that Gardner gets drilled and injured by one of his Offensive coordinator Al Borges "Devin's a big guy that can run, and he's got good hands. It would be bad coaching if he was standing next to me the whole game when you've got a guy who can really help us." own in practices, opponents aren't go- ing to be holding back, should Michi- gan's new No. 12 take the field as a receiver. "Things like that, you can't really control," Gardner said. "If I'm going to get injured, it's going to happen. It can happen at any time. I don't think that's something anybody is worried about. They may be, but they haven't expressed it to me. I'm not worried about it, because I'm just out there playing football." He's playing it this year with Roundtree's old number. Roundtree earned legacy jersey No. 21 this year, linski assessed. "He's a team kid. He's a Michigan Man. He'll help us at ei- ther position, and I think we're fine, whichever way it goes. If he's with me, great, if not, it means he's going to help us with the quarterback posi- tion." He might even feature a bit of both honoring Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard. Why Gardner then switched from his No. 7 to No. 12, he isn't saying. "It's a long story," Gardner said. "It's kind of between me and Coach Hoke." Plenty remains bottled up inside Schembechler Hall, especially when it comes to Gardner. That's okay, Hecklinski noted, since the junior will boost Michigan's chances wherever he lands on the field. "He's a hard-working kid," Heck- per play in the Deuce package last year. It was good," Borges said. "Even the plays that weren't good set up plays that were. We'd run a play that didn't yield much, only to set up a play that did, so it's not always the play. Sometimes it's the residual effect of the play. "How much we use of it, I don't know. That's a game plan deal. As we get through the install and see where we are, we'll decide on that. That's not what we're about right now. We're about teaching the system and getting evaluation straight. Then and only then will we get into the cute phases." Gardner isn't worried about cute, either. In his third season wearing a Michigan uniform, he'd much rather pursue substance and contribution, wherever he plays. At quarterback, he fully under- stands he's only one snap away from taking over. "I'm pretty excited every season," on the same play. Last year's Deuce package always featured Gardner at quarterback and Robinson split out, or lined up in the backfield. Gardner could easily split out this season, and deliver a second throw after making a catch. "I believe we were over eight yards arises, U-M fans might be just as likely to mention quar- terback commitment Shane Morris as they are Wolverines veteran Devin Gardner. After all, Rivals.com ranks Morris as the No. 2 pro-style prep quarterback in the nation, a lanky (6-3, 183), strong-armed lefty. He could come in and become the next Chad Henne, many backup quarterbacks — unless, of course, the starter is struggling. That's just life around college football. That's why when the subject of Michigan football 2013 Four-star quarterback recruits always draw more ink than argue, taking over the starting quarterback spot from game one. Naturally, Gardner isn't conceding anything. Nor should he. After all, a few short years ago, Rivals.com pegged Gardner as the No. 1 dual-threat prep QB in the country. Since then, Gardner has experienced two years in Michi- he said. "At any time, I could go on the field. Injury is not something you want, but it happens. I'm always ex- cited and always ready to play." Receiver possibilities only enhance his chances of seeing the field. If those opportunities boost Michigan's op- portunity to win, that's all he asks. "Football is fun," he stressed. "Win- ning is fun. If our coach tells me play- ing receiver is going to help us win, of course it's going to be fun." ❑ Scramble For 2013 Will Be Interesting Michigan, and not just in college. You've got to think that way. You can't think, in the back of your mind, oh, maybe I won't have a shot, or else you won't be ready when your time comes. His hopes aren't based on delusion, but on positive feed- back from his coaches, Gardner assured. "I like to think highly of myself, but they said I've really im- proved," Gardner noted. "I have to take what they've given " me and run with it. "I'm doing really well. I'm making the right reads. I've got- gan's system, along with spring and fall camps toward a third. He leaves little doubt that his expectations involve operating behind center when the Wolverines open the 2013 campaign at home against Central Michigan. "If you don't think that way, there is no way you can be the starting quarterback for any team," Gardner said. "Not just ten a little faster, so I'm able to run away when stuff breaks down." He won't run away from any quarterback competition. The question is, will Gardner be battling for one more year, or two, after 2012? The answer remains unclear, with Michigan still trying to get him an extra season of eligibility after he appeared in three non-conference contests as a true fresh- man then experienced reported back issues. Either way, Gardner insists he's not worried. "Not at all, to be a senior twice, so that would be cool." " he said. "I'm just going to play hard. I might get — John Borton SEPTEMBER 2012 THE WOLVERINE 33