Why Devin Gardner Will Be Starting In 2014

Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner (Photo by USATSI)

The competition between Michigan quarterbacks Devin Gardner and Shane Morris is the talk of the Michigan offseason in 2014. Gardner doesn’t see why though.

“I’m the quarterback of the team,” he stated after a practice in February.

After what started off as what looked like a successful 2013 season, Gardner faltered down the second half of the season as the Wolverines finished the season 7-5 with him as the starter. Gardner was forced to miss the team’s bowl game against Kansas State due to a foot injury he suffered in their loss to Ohio State.

With that being said though, Gardner should and will remain the starter in 2014.

New offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier comes into Michigan with a pro-style offensive attack that will focus on running the ball and giving Gardner the opportunity to stay healthy and not take so many hits like he did in 2013.

Gardner does have experience running a pro-style offense as former offensive coordinator Al Borges brought a pro-style formula that did show some of Gardner’s strengths and showed how he could handle it.

What did hurt Gardner down the stretch of the season was the amount of hits he suffered. Gardner would be asked to run a lot more than he should’ve and when he wasn’t asked to run at all, he would be taking a beating from an offensive line that had too many issues in protecting the signal caller.

Gardner having more experience running the pro-style attack plus having the speed to take off and run if he is needed to do so gives him the edge over the young Morris, who did show promise in their bowl loss to Kansas State.

But when it is all said and done, look for Gardner to be the starter for the opening game against Appalachian State.