Michigan's Backup QB Russell Bellomy Reportedly Tears ACL

The Michigan Wolverines better hope that Devin Gardner is the answer at the quarterback position, because there won't be much depth behind him. According to Rivals, backup quarterback Russell Bellomy has suffered a torn ACL in spring practice, which likely removes any chance of him playing this year.

"It's unfortunate, especially for a kid who battled through a tough injury last season and was having a really good spring," said head coach Brady Hoke. "We'll continue to support Russell and look forward to having him back on the field."

Bellomy redshirted during his freshman year in 2011 and saw very little playing time last year as a redshirt-freshman. Playing in mop-up duty throughout the year, he finished the season with 46 passing yards and four interceptions on 21 passing attempts. He completed only 19 percent of his passes.

Most of Bellomy's struggles came in a game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, as he was the one who originally replaced Denard Robinson once he went down with a nerve injury. Most Wolverines fans have likely had a difficult time removing those images from their head. However, senior left tackle Taylor Lewan had this to say about the young quarterback this spring, via Kyle Meinke of Mlive.com:

"

I feel like you can't really hold that against him because it's the "Blackshirt" defense, you're getting thrown into the fire -- I feel like any person would have not performed as well as they possible could. 

I feel like a lot of people are holding that against him, and I don't think that's fair. I feel like he's bounced back from it tremendously, he's throwing the ball well and everything.

"

Whether you are a believer in Bellomy or not, he was the only scholarship quarterback on the roster besides Gardner. Regardless of last year’s performance, he was sure to see action at some point and would have been called upon if something was to happen to the current starter. Now, all of the eggs will be left in the basket that Gardner currently carries.

This certainly isn't the first injury that's hit this Michigan team hard, as linebacker Jake Ryan tore his ACL in spring practice and could end up missing the entire regular season as well. While Bellomy's injury may not have the same impact as far as the team’s success is concerned, having a reliable backup is important as Michigan witnessed first-hand last season.

Shane Morris, who is a 2013 recruit, will now have a little bit more pressure on him to be game-ready once he steps on the field during fall camp.

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