Michigan will move Devin Gardner back to quarterback on permanent basis in 2013

The Michigan Wolverines announced that they will move Devin Gardner back to quarterback on a full-time basis next season after having the junior play wide receiver most of this season.

Gardner started at quarterback against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the Wolverines' 35-13 road victory. The offense looked different the one run when Denard Robinson is quarterback. Gardner took more snaps under center and threw the ball more downfield than the typical offense Robinson runs, which features a lot of designed quarterback rushes. The offense was still successful despite the change, as Gardner threw for 234 yards and two touchdowns.

The junior has thrived since switching to wide received this season, hauling in 16 catches for 266 yards and a team-leading four touchdowns. His success at receiver cast some doubt on his eventual return to quarterback, especially with top prospect Shane Morris joining the mix. Michigan coach Brady Hoke, however, indicated that the plan had always been to move Gardner back to quarterback next season.

Gardner also told reporters that he had never thought about transferring despite being stuck behind Robinson on the depth chart, and that he thought his time at receiver would help him throw more catch able balls next season, now that he has experience on the other side of the play.