The depth chart Michigan released before the season had Devin Gardner listed as the backup quarterback. It was well known that he had been practicing at wide receiver quite a bit, but considering he was still listed as the backup quarterback, it wasn't clear which position was receiving the majority of his attention.
On Saturday against Alabama, it became obvious that the depth chart wasn't accurate. Gardner played a lot of receiver, and when Denard Robinson got dinged up, it was Russell Bellomy who warmed up and was ready to enter the game, not Gardner. On Monday, Brady Hoke confirmed in an updated depth chart that Bellomy is the backup quarterback and Gardner is the team's No. 3 quarterback. What's more, Hoke confirmed that Gardner is a wide receiver first for right now.
Hoke on Gardner: "He’s a wide receiver first and a quarterback depending where you’re at in the game or week."
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) September 3, 2012
Gardner considers himself a football player and doesn't view this switch to wide receiver as a permanent move. In fact, he wants to compete for the starting job at quarterback next season after Robinson graduates.
Devin Gardner says he's "definitely a quarterback." Intends on competing for the starting job next season.
— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) September 3, 2012
With Bellomy serving as the backup quarterback for now and five-star quarterback recruit Shane Morris joining the team next year, it remains to be seen how that competition will shake out. What's clear right now is that Gardner is one of Michigan's best options at wide receiver, which is why he is primarily playing that position in 2012.
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