The Big Ten Conference announced on Tuesday that it has approved a fifth year of athletic eligibility for University of Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner, who was injured as a freshman with the Wolverines in 2010.
There was a delay in Michigan's petition to obtain an extra year of eligibility for Gardner, who played in three games as a freshman before he injured his back and missed the remainder of the campaign. U-M originally thought it would have to wait until after the 2013 season to request the additional year, but when it learned that was not the case, it submitted documentation for the medical hardship extension. The Big Ten's approval means that Gardner now has two years of athletic eligibility left, rather than just one.
Gardner enjoyed a breakout in 2012, as he began the year at wide receiver but moved under center for the Maize and Blue when Denard Robinson was hurt midway through the season. He started the final five games at quarterback, and even in this limited action, Gardner finished with 1,219 yards passing and 11 touchdowns through the air, in addition to 101 yards and seven TDs rushing.
Spring practice begins for the Wolverines on March 16, and the regular season kicks off with a non-conference matchup against Central Michigan at Michigan Stadium on August 31. Learn more about the Big Ten's announcement concerning Gardner in an article on U-M's official athletic website, MGoBlue.com.
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