There have been plenty of questions surrounding Michigan QB Denard Robinson heading into the 2011 season with one of those questions being can he handle working in the new pro-style offense? Well a question that may have been passed up (but is still very relevant) is the role of backup QB Devin Gardner.

Last season Robinson was held out at times due to injury which could certainly be the case this season meaning Gardner would step in there and take over while Robinson recovers. However, the word coming out of Ann Arbor is Gardner may get more playing time than that…

“Devin Gardner played some last season as a true freshman and is apparently progressing in coordinator Al Borges’ offense,” The Detroit Free Press said. “He is likely to play early in the season, even if Robinson is shining and healthy, because coach Brady Hoke believes ‘that’s always helpful for him. I think it’s helpful for your team.”

Now before Michigan fans get a worked up thinking Robinson is in danger of losing his job that’s not the case. Michigan is simply looking to keeping their starting signal caller fresh.

Source: Detroit Free Press