bluewave720

July 27th, 2012 at 1:25 PM ^

I think it's kinda ballsy, but necessary given the current dynamic of our team.  The first reflex is to think "what if . . . "  Well the truth is that Devin has a much better chance of getting hurt if he's playing WR than if he is backing up Denard.  But, our best chance to win as a team is if he's on the field at wideout.  I wish he didn't have to play WR.  But I love that Devin is willing to make the switch and that the coaches are willing to take this kind of tactical risk.

ryebreadboy

July 27th, 2012 at 1:29 PM ^

I like this. Tall, athletic, with speed. Not to mention this opens up all sorts of trick plays with passes to Devin in the backfield that turn into Devin chucking the ball to Roundtree (or back to Denard). We may need all of that trickeration vs. Alabama. Plus, it just seemed criminal to have such a talented athlete sitting on the bench all the time. He could still play backup for Denard if necessary, as well.

IronDMK

July 27th, 2012 at 1:39 PM ^

Devin has the potential to be a game changing WR... and he'll win the Belitnikof award.  After this year we'll all wish he had played WR last year as well.  And then next year he'll go back to QB and win the Heisman... Michigan's second consecutive year with a Heisman winning QB.  He'll be the first ever player EVER to accomplish these feats.  And we will rejoice.

Roachgoblue

July 27th, 2012 at 1:55 PM ^

I can't see points because I am never on a laptop that I can access MGoBlog. If I were I would un-neg you lol. Whoever negged you was insane to think this might not happen. Please don't neg me in case I ever go look at my points. I got an email many moons ago that said I reached a certain amount to do posts. Yes!

turtleboy

July 27th, 2012 at 1:53 PM ^

Likely because he wouldn't see playing time at qb this year, not to mention he's one of the biggest athletes on the team. He's bigger than Braylon Edwards was.

mpbear14

July 27th, 2012 at 1:55 PM ^

2nd week of spring practice last year.  Devin was on the sidelines going up and grabbing jump balls with some of his teammates, messing around.  Beasting them all (for a lack of a better term.)  Hoke looks over and goes "He's one heck of a wide recveiver isn't he and winks."

First spring practice of this year, Devin spends 90% of practice with the WR's working on blocking technique and running routes.  At the end of that practice when the coaches were "yucking it up" with some of their friends, it was said Devin is a first round NFL draft pick at the WR position, he is that good.

If Bellomy wasn't injured, he probably would have received far more work at the position but none the less, he has the basics down going into fall camp

May the jump ball live on!

LSAClassOf2000

July 27th, 2012 at 2:01 PM ^

It is good to hear it officially now as it confirms what was generally suspected for months here anyway, and it's an excellent move that gives the offense an extra dimension by way of someone who could be a serious deep threat at 6'4" and 205 pounds. I wonder also if this is a sign that Russell Bellomy is definitely up-and-coming as a QB and they feel comfortable with him potentially running some plays here and there right now. If that is the case, then Al's playbook just became that much bigger, which is a good thing. I see this as another example of this staff making the most of what they have, and thus far, they've done well at maximizing potential through such realignment.

M-Dog

July 27th, 2012 at 2:05 PM ^

I like this move,because we can, but don't sleep on DG as a QB.  He throws a great ball and is very elusive.  His decision making is a little slow sometimews, which is a reflection of getting comfortable with the system and getting snaps.  I still think he is the starter next year at QB, not someone else. 

PurpleStuff

July 27th, 2012 at 2:24 PM ^

The guy was just a RS freshman the last time we saw him and his only appearances came in quick substitution situations or in the middle of games due to injury, in both cases tough times to get into a rhythm and get comfortable at a position where timing is so important. 

He's still going to be the best QB in the conference after Denard graduates.

cheesheadwolverine

July 27th, 2012 at 2:18 PM ^

You just have to get your second best athlete on the field somehow, but this will inevitably make him a less effective qb. That's concerning when Denard is often dinged and at the most important position on the field

corundum

July 27th, 2012 at 2:26 PM ^

As long as he is still getting some reps at QB, his effectiveness shouldn't suffer too much since he has spent years preparing to play the position at the collegiate level. Although it's certainly possible for Denard to get dinged, the coaching staff can't bank on him getting injured and I think this move will really boost our offensive potential.

mpbear14

July 27th, 2012 at 2:41 PM ^

For the record, this is a permanent move for Devin. 

To start the year off, he will be the back up QB, but as the season goes on and Bellomy gets more reps in practice, Bellomy is going to transition into the number 2 QB spot.

Next year's off-season should be interesting, but as of now, this is a Permanent move. 

Don

July 27th, 2012 at 3:20 PM ^

There is literally nothing in the article that supports your assertion "for the record, this is a permanent move for Devin."

In fact, Hoke hedges his bets: "Hoke wouldn't commit to how much time Gardner would receive at wideout, but did say it would depend some on his ability to protect the football at that position"

In fact, "Wolverines head coach Brady Hoke said Friday at Big Ten media days in Chicago that the junior will split time this fall between backing up starter Denard Robinson at quarterback and getting reps at receiver."

This is an experiment whose results won't be known until after DG gets substantial game action at WR, and proves he can hold onto the ball after getting blasted by a head-hunting DB or LB. IF he's as talented as people like Denard say he is, maybe he'll end up as a full-time WR, but saying right now that it's a "permanent" move to WR is jumping way ahead of the situation.

mpbear14

July 27th, 2012 at 3:34 PM ^

Because Brady Hoke shows his cards to the media... Give me a break.

Mark my words.

Permanent Move agreed upon by Devin in his end of the year meeting with Hoke in January.

  They aren't half a$$'n this move.  It's, you are becoming our number 1 WR or you are staying as a back up QB.  It's one or the other, not both.

Fall practices should confirm he is practicing primarily with the WR unit while taking SOME snaps at QB until Bellomy gets enough reps with the 1st and 2nd units.  The depth char will look will be Denard, Bellomy and Gardner by the B1G opener.

(bar early injuries)

 

uncleFred

July 27th, 2012 at 2:58 PM ^

"We have a chance to get Devin on the field as a wide receiver some, because of his athleticism," Hoke said.

Devin needs game snaps at QB if he is going to maximize his progress to being ready in the event that Denard is hurt or for next season. I hope that Devin lines up at WR in special situations, and that when Michigan has a comfortable lead we see him at QB in place of Denard in the 4th quarter. 

Wolverine Devotee

July 27th, 2012 at 3:06 PM ^

Gotta go make a change on my NCAA Football 13 roster.

So that makes Michigan's QB depth chart:

1   Denard Robinson

2   Russell Bellomy

3   Jack Kennedy

4   Alex Sweica?

Perkis-Size Me

July 27th, 2012 at 3:08 PM ^

this has the potential to pay some big dividends. gardner's big, fast, and provides more depth at a position that we really need it for.

the only question is, in the hypothetical situation that this really pays off and he turns out to be a great receiver, does he go back to qb next year? i'm still iffy on handing the reigns over to morris as a true freshman, and bellomy has the look of a career backup.

Sten Carlson

July 27th, 2012 at 3:32 PM ^

I think this descision will be heralded as one of greatest coaching decisions in Michigan's long football history.

DG is an elite athlete who has basically spent his time on the side lines adding little to the team but peace of mind.  I think he's going end up being an amazing WR -- he has the size, the speed, and the hunger to contribute.  Not to mention the tact that he's bound to have amazing chemistry with his roommate and best friend, Denard Robinson.

I cannot wait to see it.

GO BLUE!

BleedsBlue

July 27th, 2012 at 5:39 PM ^

Love this move. Give DG a year to get acclimated to Wr. Next year Morris starts with a 6'4" beast for a go-to guy, Chesson and Darboh as sophomores, and explosive Treadwell getting some playing time with his boy Morris as a true freshman, not a bad scenario. Takes me back to when a freshman Henne was chucking it up to a senior Braylon, laying a beautiful smackdown on sparty in that classic dismantling of little brother.

RedGreene

July 27th, 2012 at 8:26 PM ^

Just my opinion but I think Bellomy was the most underrated QB in his class. I've watched his film several times, watched him play very well against some of the best competition in Texas and still don't understand why he wasn't rated higher.   I guess I'm missing something.

I think Bellomy starts next season, Morris is 2nd string and Gardner stays at receiver.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4om8v56FCw

Brown Bear

July 27th, 2012 at 9:18 PM ^

I think how much he plays at wideout will be based off of how well Chesson and Darboh play and if they can contribute this fall. If one of those guys can come out as a freshman and make an impact it will allow them to not HAVE to use Devin as more than a Woodson type threat. I love the prospect of Devin being a stud receiver but I'm also attempting to be a realist and have to think the coaches don't want to use him excessively.

PurpleStuff

July 27th, 2012 at 11:13 PM ^

I think this is exactly what we'll see.  Roundtree (900+ yards as a sophomore) and Gallon are both fairly proven commodities.  The coaches also thought enough of Roy to give him the #21 legacy patch treatment, so I'm guessing they expect big things from him next year.

Add in any contribution from Dileo, the freshmen, or a guy like Robinson and you are pretty set as far as options go.  Don't forget that this isn't going to be a pass happy team with Denard and Fitz. Last year we completed less than 12 passes per game.  Hemingway led the team with 2.6 catches per game.  Even with what should be increased efficiency that number isn't going to go up a whole lot (we're not going to be throwing 30-40 times a game, especially with a defense that should be better than last year's as well).

Devin could have a big impact and still only make one or two catches a game.  Leaving him plenty of time to focus on his QB duties.