Observations From the Michigan Wolverines Spring Game: Quarterbacks

Quarterbacks- Of course, Denard Robinson has been all the rage since last weekend and rightfully so. He had reportedly had a terrific spring and made incredible strides as a passer and it showed during the game.

After a 9 for 12 for 170 yards, and three touchdown performance there will still certainly be naysayers.

After all, Denard was performing against the second team defense in a no tackle jersey, however on most of the plays the defensive players weren't horribly out of position.

It was simply a case of Robinson seeing an open receiver and hitting him. His pass to Roy Roundtree was beautiful and his speed and execution of the zone read option were scary good, which was to be expected as Robinson is a college track star.

Tate Forcier has caught some flack and some of it is certainly warranted, however Forcier wasn't nearly as bad as some critics have made him out to be.

He was 10 of 16 passing, however was working with the second team offense against the first team defense.

The defense got penetration into the backfield pretty regularly as the should have considering the first team defense should be bigger, stronger and quicker as a unit that the second team offensive line.

Ultimately, Tate's best asset was his escapeability and accuracy on the run. Again with his pass protection and lack of outside receiver help from the freshmen make it difficult to truly judge his ability to step up in the pocket.

He still needs to work on ball control as he took some risks in the run and pass game but appears to have a stronger arm.

Devin Gardner:  Clearly, Devin Gardner possesses the strongest arm and the best upside of all of Michigan's current quarterbacks, although he looked freshman-like in this particular scrimmage.

Gardner's athleticism is also as good as advertised, and when things broke down he was more than happy to show it off.

I see a guy in Devin who already has a great feel for the game and has the ability to be a really good drop back passer in the not so distant future.

I had heard that he was a better passer than Terrelle Pryor or Vince Young at the same stage but remained a bit skeptical. After watching his solid mechanics, accuracy and quick release to match his effortless arm strength I am sold.

People may criticize or claim it was a result of the defense he was going against, but they would dead wrong. I'm not just talking production, Devin Gardner has all the tools to become a great college quarterback.

He has a cannon with no windup and also touch. Watch out for him Big Ten because he is going to be good!

Conclusion: It's really too early to say who leads in this race. I would be surprised if Tate Forcier doesn't get A LOT of playing time vs. Connecticut but Denard has a legitimate chance to start.

Gardner did make a few mistakes and may redshirt...then again he might not! Ultimately I believe Denard Robinson will see the most snaps this season but won't be forced into the role, as Tate Forcier will get at least one good crack at it.

The bottom line is that competition breeds better play on the field. The best man will win the job, and quarterback play will definitely be elevated for the Wolverines in 2010!

Stay tuned for the running backs evaluation!