Michigan QB Devin Gardner Granted 5th Year of Eligibility

Michigan starting quarterback Devin Gardner has been granted a medical hardship for the 2010 season and will be able to play for the Wolverines through the 2014-15 season, according to Michigan Football's Twitter account:

"

BREAKING: Devin Gardner granted medical hardship, 2 seasons of eligibility remaining. His reaction: mgob.lu/devingardner

— Michigan Football (@umichfootball) March 5, 2013"

This is great news for a program that has already been beaming after scoring the No. 5 recruiting class in the nation per 247Sports.com.

Gardner took over for Denard Robinson late last season after Robinson suffered an injury. The 6'4", 203-pounder averaged 9.7 yards per attempt while tossing 11 touchdowns, five interceptions and rushing for seven scores.

There are high expectations for the young quarterback heading into the 2013-14 season.

Michigan landed an impressive five 4-star offensive linemen this year (according to 247Sports.com), which only figures to pave the way for the rising Gardner. The Wolverines also landed 5-star running back Derrick Green, who has the potential to step in on day one and be a formidable downhill runner for Brady Hoke and company.

While Ohio State boasts plenty of potential, don't be surprised if the Wolverines sneak up on the rest of the nation.

Gardner actually proved to be a better pocket passer than Robinson last season and the strength of the offensive line—combined with a lot of potential in the backfield—could make this a special season for the program.

Michigan has gone a combined 19-7 in Hoke's first two seasons with the program. Gardner has the skills to live up to the high expectations in Ann Arbor.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Gardner was granted a sixth year of eligibility.