Former Michigan offensive tackle Taylor Lewan, who was the No. 11 overall pick by the Tennessee Titans in the 2014 NFL Draft, seems to have some doubts as to how well Wolverines senior quarterback Devin Gardner will play this season.
Lewan doesn't seem to have any doubt about sophomore quarterback Shane Morris, who is expected to get another chance to unseat Gardner during fall camp.
Michigan finished 7-6 last season, Gardner's first full season as the starter.
Lewan was on Sirius XM Radio on Tuesday, and was asked how he thinks Gardner will perform in 2014.
"It really depends on how the team rallies around him; it depends on how his leadership skills develop," Lewan answered, as per MLive.com. "He does have a lot on his shoulders being quarterback at the University of Michigan. If he can get there and do the right things, I think the sky is the limit for him."
Later, Lewan was asked about Morris, who started the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl loss to Kansas State as a true freshman last season when Gardner was hurt.
"I think he can be one hell of a quarterback, honestly," Lewan said. "He's got a good arm, he's confident. Even though we lost the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, the way he acted showed a lot of good things for the future.
"I'm excited for him and I'm really excited for the University of Michigan."
Gardner was able to fully participate in spring practice, which was a surprise coming off his foot injury. While Wolverines coach Brady Hoke said the quarterback job was open, Gardner looked to have a more consistent spring than Morris and Hoke acknowledged that. But Gardner struggled in the spring game, and Hoke said it was a close race. There likely will be no final decision made on the starter until fall camp.
Michigan changed coordinators in the offseason, with Al Borges being fired and Doug Nussmeier being hired away from Alabama. Gardner was recruited to play the spread under former coach Rich Rodriguez, while Morris is more of a pro-style quarterback, which is what Borges and Nussmeier prefer. But Borges did a poor job of taking advantage of Gardner's athleticism last season, and Gardner also struggled with his decision-making. Gardner does seem to have a solid upside, though, thanks to his athleticism and a strong arm.
While Hoke isn't necessarily on the hot seat, his cushion is at least a little warm, given archrival Ohio State's recent success and that Michigan State has owned the Wolverines of late. Deciding to build for the future with Morris wouldn't go over too well, so unless Morris clearly outplays Gardner in fall camp, look for Gardner to be the starter.
Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You also can follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.
