Rivals ranks 2010 QBs
http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1013375
Devin Gardner #1 Best Scrambler, #2 Strongest Arm
November 9th, 2009 at 1:21 PM ^
Awesome. Can't wait.
November 9th, 2009 at 1:22 PM ^
he enrolls early and redshirts. We do not need another starting freshman QB next year. If we almost had Sheridan starting this year because it was his second year in the system then next year Tate should definitely be getting the nod.
November 9th, 2009 at 1:25 PM ^
I don't think we could afford redshirting Gardner, especially with all the skills he possesses (and the lack of depth at the position). I'd want RR to let the two compete the starting job, and whoever looks best pick 'em.
November 9th, 2009 at 1:45 PM ^
RR should let them compete for the starting job, I just don't see Gardner getting it next year. We've all seen how hard it is to run/learn RR's offense for a freshman QB. I think RR has said he's only been able to install about 75% of the offense. Having Tate/Denard knowing 100% of it next year with a full season of experience should beat out a (very gifted) true freshman. Unless there are injuries I'm betting DG gets a redshirt
November 9th, 2009 at 3:49 PM ^
"I don't think we could afford redshirting Gardner, especially with all the skills he possesses"
That's the same thing Rich Rodriguez said about Denard. And as much as I like the guy and how fast he is, he just doesn't really have a shot at QB and really if he had redshirted this year it probably would have been a good thing. Tate has been playing so well this year and Denard hasn't got much playing time since the first half of the season, and I doubt we will NEED Gardner next year and having his butt get splinters without using a redshirt would be a waste.
Unless Gardner is that much of a freak and becomes the starter over Tate, I hope he redshirts.
November 9th, 2009 at 1:23 PM ^
There's going to be so much next year it's ridiculous. Makes a life-time Wolverine fan happy! (Provided that we get DBs/LBs with the next 4 or so scholarships for 2010).
November 9th, 2009 at 3:23 PM ^
but not a ton of experience. We will definitely have the talent aspect covered next year, but Gardner will have to work hard all summer to understand the offense and improve. I really hope that DG can contribute early and often because I see him as a bigger threat running the ball than Tate. From the videos I've seen, Gardner seems maybe a little calmer than Tate on the field, too. I like Forcier as our QB, but if DG can improve the team, I would love to have him running the offense. Should be another good year on offense next year, as this year has been. The problem, however, is the defense. I can't see them getting worse, but some young guys are going to be playing again and it will be tough.
November 9th, 2009 at 1:25 PM ^
and read about Gardner, the more excited I am he'll be a Wolverine.
November 9th, 2009 at 1:26 PM ^
Same, but the last think I want to see is Tate withering away from the spotlight.
November 9th, 2009 at 1:30 PM ^
I wonder how long it will be before we get some posts like: "Should Devin move to WR? So we can get our best athletes on the field?"
November 9th, 2009 at 1:35 PM ^
No way man. Tate, DRob and Devin lined up in the backfield - triple option from hell!!
(/sarcasm/ well, maybe...)
November 9th, 2009 at 2:46 PM ^
I pray to God that we don't see those posts. Here's why:
1) I love the idea of DG redshirting next year, backing up Tate in 2011 & 2012, then taking over the starting job in 2013 & 2014. It would be nice to know that we probably won't be dealing with any QB issues for the next 5 years.
2) With DG backing up Tate in 2011 & 2012, we'll be able to run a lot of sets with Denard & Tate on the field at the same time. We could potentially even have Tate, Denard, and DG all in at once. Having 2 or potentially 3 players on the field who can run and throw will definitely cause problems for opposing defenses.
3) We already have about 3,483,953 underclassmen WR's. Hemingway, Stonum, Odoms, and Roundtree have already shown potential on the field. TRob, Stokes, and a few others who I'm probably forgetting are expected to get a good amount of playing time in the next few years. We also have 5 WR's in the incoming recruiting class.
In my opinion, we should just be patient and let DG sit for a few years. The thought of talented depth at QB for the next few years gives me such a good feeling.
November 9th, 2009 at 3:09 PM ^
I like this. If point #2 comes true...can anyone say mad magicians reincarnate?
November 9th, 2009 at 2:41 PM ^
Letting him redshirt would be a great thing. If he's able to take the starting job by his redshirt-freshman year, then more power to him. If Devin becomes the starter by injury circumstance, then that's the only way I see him playing next year.
Unless he just blows the shit out of things?
November 9th, 2009 at 3:05 PM ^
When we were 4-0 and on the way to a successful season, I thought it was probable that DG redshirted. With the most likely record now 5-7 (hopefully, wrong, but that's most likely), RR will have to leave nothing in the bag next year and I hope he doesn't. We NEED to have a productive season next year, as we'll be three years in.
If DG enrolls early and shows he can really contribute, why redshirt him? He's already said a main reason he's coming to U of M is that he will be able to compete for the job - and it sounds like he's ready to compete right away (which I like; who would want him to say otherwise?). Plus, if DG is as great as we hope he is, how likely is it that he stays at school for 5 years anyway? His NFL "clock" starts the same whether we redshirt him or not.
If his ranking is correct (i.e., Top 3 QB), I say no to redshirt.
November 9th, 2009 at 3:18 PM ^
Where do our defensive recruits stand? Unless Devin can guarantee us 50 points a game we need the #1 and #2 defensive recruits.
November 9th, 2009 at 4:22 PM ^
since we have only ever had good defenses when we got the #1 and #2 recruits.....
ok, looking back maybe you mean the number 1and 2 recruits left that are still considering michigan or something like that. I agree that those would be huge pickups but I don't think we are completely sunk if we don't get them. Right now I am more interested in getting depth. Sign a whole bunch of low four start, high three star players and we will still improve from where we are now.
November 9th, 2009 at 3:26 PM ^
No way he redshirts. Our precarious, unstable QB state is not going to magically transform into a state next year in which we can afford to redshirt someone who is as talented and as good a fit as DG is. I see Denard moving positions (I know, I know, but I am starting to believe it is best for him and us) before DG redshirts.
November 9th, 2009 at 3:49 PM ^
IMO, a redshirt for Gardner would be ideal but may not be realistic. RR has been emphatic that Robinson is a QB, but isn't that being driven by the fact that after Tate, the QB cupborad is pretty bare? If Gardner proves to be a solid option as a freshman, doesn't it make sense to have Tate start with Gardner as a back up and then move Robinson to a skill position? Robinson has proven that he has crazy speed but he may not be QB material at this level.
Actually, if you're playing this game, you could come up with a scenario whereby Tate ends up as the odd man out. If Gardner is as good as billed, he could win the starting position with Tate as a back up.
Can Robinson catch punts??
November 9th, 2009 at 4:21 PM ^
I say redshirt him. Tate has made enough frosh mistakes this year (and has done well in spite of them) that I don't know if I could take another year of the growing pains that come with a frosh. DG may be great but I still think I would take an experienced Tate or even an experienced D-Rob than an inexperienced DG. Redshirt him and we have the potential to have Tate or D-Rob start through 2012 and DG can carry us through 2014.
November 9th, 2009 at 4:43 PM ^
This year ought to show you that playing one qb does not exclude playing another. Not redshirting DG does not mean starting him. I would like to see Tate starting next year with DG getting significant clean up time (who I see beating Denard out for 2nd position).