2013 Michigan Wolverines Football Season Preview: Quarterbacks
By Tony Fischer
Apr 13, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Devin Gardner (12) drops back to pass during the Spring Game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
With the exodus of Denard Robinson to the NFL, Michigan Wolverines head coach Brady Hoke can finally fully implement his offensive scheme. Expect to see more of a pro-style offensive attack by the Michigan Wolverines Football team as the coaching staff will try to take advantage of junior signal caller Devin Gardner’s skillet.
The most interesting developments will be surrounding the back-up quarterback position. The spring injury to Russell Bellomy will force Michigan to throw incoming 4-star recruit Shane Morris into the fire. That means there will likely be a 3-way battle for the number 2 spot on the depth chart. The decision coming from that competition will set the course for Michigan football in 2014 and beyond.
Here is a breakdown of the Quarterback Position going into pre-season activities:
Devin Garnder – Red Shirt Junior – Inkster High School, Detroit Michigan
Devin Gardner is more of a pocket passer than his predecessor. He started the 2012 season at wide receiver before starting the last five games at Quarterback. Garnder preformed well during those 5 starts amassing 1,219 yard and 11 touchdowns. He won Big Ten offensive player of the week honors twice during that time He also passed for 2 touchdowns in each one of his starts. Gardner could be a Maxwell Award contender in 2013.
SEE RELATED STORY: Hoke: Gardner Not Where He Needs To Be
Russell Bellomy – Red Shirt Sophomore – Martin High School, Arlington Texas
Spent much of 2012 as #2 quarterback on the depth chart until he was leap-frogged by Devin Gardner. Figures to remain #2 on the depth chart for 2013 and become the starter when Gardner moves on. Bellomy saw time last season but only in a reserve role. He was 4 out of 21 for 46 yards in 5 games. With Bellomy’s status for the fall uncertain after he tore his ACL in a spring practice, it is hard to say how he will compete with 4 star prospect Shane Morris and Redshirt Freshmen Brian Cleary.
Brian Cleary – Redshirt Freshmen – Detroit Jesuit High School, Detroit Michigan
Brian Cleary did not see any action in 2012. He is expected compete for the #2 slot on the depth chart with incumbent Russell Bellomy and incoming prospect Shane Morris. Cleary is a 6-9 199 lb prostyle quarterback who matches the new prostyle Michigan offensive scheme.
Shane Morris – Freshmen – De LaSalle High School, Warren Michigan
Shane Morris is Michigan’s 4 star recruit at Quarterback. He will join the team in the fall and likely will not be redshirted because of the injury to Russell Bellomy. Because of the uncertainty surrounding Bellomy’s recovery, Morris will likely be thrown into a heated competition for the back-up roll. Based on his recruiting profile he can handle it. Morris is #81 in Rivals Top 100. Ranked #4 for prostyle quarterback prospects and #2 in Rival’s Michigan postseason top 30. All of this should make it interesting for Brady Hoke and staff.
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