Brady Hoke: Devin Gardner Is Not Where He Needs To Be
By Tony Fischer
Apr 13, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Devin Gardner (12) runs the ball during the Spring Game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Brady Hoke spoke to the Media during the teams trainng camp media day on Sunday. He spoke at length and gave insight on a number of issues surrounding the team but the most interesting may have been what he said about quarterback Devin Gardner. When asked about Gardner Hoke seemed guarded about the outlook for his junior quarterback,
"Devin (Gardner) had five games last year and we were 3-2 in those games with him being the starting quarterback. He played down in Columbus in that environment so that was a great learning experience, good and bad. I think playing South Carolina, who is a very good defensive team and a good football team. I think he learned a lot there in the bowl game. Is he where he needs to be yet? No. Is he capable? Yes, I don’t think there is any doubt — from intelligence and football, his knowledge and how he thinks it and works it. This will be a real big telling point of where he is as a quarterback.”"
It is unclear whether or not this quote was designed to motivate Gardner, who has been picked by some college football pundits to be an early finalist for the Maxwell Award.
SEE RELATED STORY: 2013 Michigan Wolverines Football Preview: Quarterbacks
Gardner’s main competition will come from freshmen quarterback Shane Morris. The four star recruit from De LaSalle high school in Warren figures to be Gardner’s back-up this season. Other than Morris the Wolverines lack experience behind Gardner.
If the quote was designed to motivate, Devin Gardner knows that criticism is part of being the starting quarterback at Michigan. Gardner was Denard Robinson’s roommate last season and said he learned a lot from the former Michigan signal caller about how to handle the pressure,
"He was amazing about it. I don’t know how many guys could have taken the bashing he took and still say the same guy smiling and being happy all the time. He faced adversity and he responded. That’s how we want to be as a football team. When we face adversity, we want to be able to respond at all times.”"
It will be an interesting season for Michigan Footbal team 135. If they are to be successful this season it will depend on players like Devin Gardner reaching their potential.