Big Ten Football Top 150 Players: No. 131, Devin Gardner, Michigan 'Quarterback'

No. 131: Devin Gardner, No. 7, QB, Michigan
2011 stats: 11-23, 176 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT; 25 rushes, 53 yards, 1 TD

Strengths

In terms of sheer athleticism, Devin Gardness is on an elite level. He's a legit 6'4", 205 pounds, runs a 4.4 and his listed vertical is "into orbit." Well, that sounds about right. He's dangerous in the open field and has a glide on scrambles that's reminiscent of one Terrelle Pryor. 

Weaknesses

He's not really a good quarterback. He struggled in limited relief of Denard Robinson last year, and he was hardly better in the spring game, throwing an interception on his first snap of the scrimmage. Gardner spent a little time at wide receiver in the spring, but all of his playing time at the spring game was at quarterback, where he was thoroughly outplayed by Russell Bellomy. 

2012 Prediction

Devin Gardner will move to wide receiver. It has to happen. Bellomy can be serviceable as Robinson's backup, and Michigan desperately needs the help at wideout. Per mgoblog, a preliminary report from Michigan's spring practice said that Gardner was "instantly Michigan's best wide receiver," and he has the physical skills to dominate there.

It makes sense that Michigan used Gardner at QB during the spring; the last thing Brady Hoke needs is film of Gardner running routes out there for Alabama to see before the season opener. But this is a move that needs to be made already.