Devin Gardner facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Devin Gardner

Gardner in 2018
No. 7, 12, 98
Position:	Quarterback
Personal information
Born:	(1991-12-14) December 14, 1991 (age 33) Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:	218 lb (99 kg)
Career information
High school:	Inkster (Inkster, Michigan)
College:	Michigan (2010–2014)
Undrafted:	2015
Career history
New England Patriots (2015)* Pittsburgh Steelers (2015)* Sagamihara Rise (2016–2017) Saskatchewan Roughriders (2018)
Career highlights and awards
X-League Rookie of the Year (2016)
Player stats at CFL.ca

Devin Jaymes Gardner (born December 14, 1991) is a former American football player. He played as a quarterback, which is like the team's leader on the field. Devin played college football for the Michigan Wolverines. After college, he was signed by the New England Patriots in the National Football League (NFL). He also played professionally in Japan for two seasons.

At the University of Michigan, Devin Gardner was the main quarterback for the Wolverines from 2012 to 2014. In 2013, he received a special jersey, No. 98, which honored a famous Michigan player named Tom Harmon. Devin was the first player in over 70 years to wear that number. During the 2013 season, he had amazing stats. He threw for 1,779 yards and ran for 660 yards, scoring 22 touchdowns in total. On October 19, 2013, he set a new Michigan record with 503 passing yards in one game. He also broke the record for total offense with 584 yards.

When he was a senior in high school, experts like Rivals.com rated Devin as the best "dual-threat" quarterback in the U.S. This means he was great at both throwing and running the ball. He joined the University of Michigan in 2010. In his first two seasons (2010 and 2011), he played a little bit. In 2012, he even tried playing as a wide receiver for a while. But he switched back to quarterback when the main quarterback, Denard Robinson, got hurt.

Early Life and High School Football

Playing at University of Detroit Jesuit High School

When Devin was a sophomore in 2007, he played football for the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy. He missed some games that year because of problems. Devin said this was a big moment for him. He realized he needed to improve and grow up. After his coach left, his grades also went down. He wanted to switch schools, but the one he chose had closed.

Becoming a Star at Inkster High School

Before his junior year, Devin moved to Inkster High School in Inkster, Michigan. He became the starting quarterback there. His coach, Greg Carter, had led another Detroit high school to three state championships.

In 2008, as a junior, Devin led Inkster to the state championship game. He was involved in 48 touchdowns that season! He threw 26 touchdown passes and ran for 22 touchdowns. He also gained a total of 3,287 yards, with 1,886 passing yards and 1,401 rushing yards. He also helped Inkster's basketball team reach the state semifinals in 2009.

As a senior in 2009, Devin again led Inkster to the state finals. In one exciting game, Inkster needed to win to make the playoffs. They were playing against Steubenville High School, which had won 60 home games in a row! Steubenville was ahead 29-28 with just over a minute left. With only 39 seconds left, Devin threw a 63-yard touchdown pass to win the game! He said they just ran a simple play, but the other team expected something else. This left his receiver wide open for the big play.

In that game, Devin gained 330 yards (275 passing, 55 rushing) and scored five touchdowns. After that big win, Devin led Inkster to four more playoff victories. They won games 51–19, 50–28, and 35–7. Devin led Inkster to their second straight state championship game. However, they lost the final game 27–6 against Lowell High School.

Devin told ESPN in 2009 that he loved being a quarterback. He said, "When I've got the ball in my hands... it's my show."

Top Rankings and Awards

After his amazing junior year, Devin was invited to many special football camps in 2009. He went to the Nike camp and the Elite 11 quarterback camp in California. At the Elite 11 camp, he won awards for his footwork and his work in the classroom. Experts like JC Shurburtt from ESPN.com said Devin had great leadership and athleticism. Barry Every from Rivals.com even ranked him as the best quarterback at the Elite 11 camp.

In September 2009, Rivals.com ranked Devin as the top quarterback in the entire United States. Scout.com ranked him No. 4, and ESPNU ranked him No. 5. Allen Trieu from Scout.com said Devin had incredible potential. He noted that Devin had improved his passing and running skills. He also said Devin often carried his team to victory in tough situations.

Playing in the Under Armour All-America Game

At the end of his senior year, Devin played in the Under Armour All-America Game. This is a special game for the best high school players. He threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to help his team win. Devin called it "the greatest experience of my life."

Former NFL coach Sam Wyche praised Devin after the game. He said Devin would be a "big-time player at Michigan." He also noted Devin's great personality and how smart he was on the field.

College Career at Michigan

Choosing Michigan

In 2009, Devin decided to play for Michigan. He said he felt very comfortable there, like it was a family. He also liked that Michigan told him he was their top choice for a quarterback. More than 15 other colleges offered him a spot, including Notre Dame, Florida, and LSU. He said Florida was his second choice and LSU was his third.

Experts believed Devin's ability to both throw and run made him a perfect fit for Michigan's offense. His high school coach, Greg Carter, agreed. He said their high school offense was similar to Michigan's, so Devin would do well.

2010 and 2011 Seasons

Devin started at Michigan early, in January 2010. Some experts thought he might even start as a freshman. Devin himself said he could see himself starting. However, he played in only two games in his first year. He completed 7 of 10 passes for 85 yards and one touchdown. He also ran for 21 yards and scored one rushing touchdown.

In his second season (2011), Devin was still a backup to Denard Robinson. He played in eight games. He completed 11 of 23 passes for one touchdown and ran for 53 yards with one rushing touchdown. He often played when Michigan used a special formation with Denard Robinson as a receiver or running back. Devin's touchdown pass against Illinois helped Michigan win that game.

2012 Season: Switching Positions and Stepping Up

In his third year (2012), Devin changed to play wide receiver. He was very good at it! For the first four games, he was the team's best receiver, catching 11 passes for 195 yards and three touchdowns.

But then, the starting quarterback, Denard Robinson, hurt his arm. So, Devin switched back to quarterback. He got his first start as Michigan's quarterback on November 3, 2012, against Minnesota. Devin ran for a touchdown and threw for 234 yards and two more touchdowns. Michigan won 35–13.

Devin Gardner with the ball in 2013

In his second start, Devin led Michigan to an exciting comeback win in overtime against Northwestern. He ran for 47 yards and two touchdowns, and threw for 286 yards and two touchdowns. With only two seconds left, he threw a 53-yard pass that set up a field goal to tie the game. Devin then scored the winning touchdown in overtime!

In the last home game of 2012, Devin had an amazing game against Iowa. He scored a career-high six touchdowns! He threw for 314 yards and three touchdowns, and ran for 37 yards and three more touchdowns. He became only the second Michigan quarterback ever to score six touchdowns in a single game.

Denard Robinson passing to Devin Gardner.

2013 Season: Breaking Records

Devin was named the starting quarterback for the 2013 season. In the first seven games, he had 1,779 passing yards, 660 rushing yards, and 22 touchdowns.

Before the big game against Notre Dame, Devin was given the special No. 98 Michigan Football Legends jersey. This honored the legendary player Tom Harmon. Devin was the first player to wear it since Harmon in 1940. In that game, Devin led Michigan to a 41–30 victory over Notre Dame. He threw for 294 yards and four touchdowns.

On October 19, 2013, against Indiana, Devin broke a Michigan record with 503 passing yards in one game. He also broke another record with 584 yards of total offense! This means he gained more yards than any other Michigan player in a single game.

College Statistics

Professional Career

New England Patriots

After the 2015 NFL Draft, Devin Gardner was not chosen by any team. However, he still signed a contract with the New England Patriots. He was released by the Patriots in May 2015.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The very next day, the Pittsburgh Steelers picked him up. The Steelers tried him out as a quarterback. But he did not make the team and was released in August 2015.

Nojima Sagamihara Rise (Japan)

Devin then went to play for the Nojima Sagamihara Rise in Japan's X-League. His team finished third in their division. Devin had a great season, throwing for 1,746 yards with 12 touchdowns. He also ran for 397 yards and scored eight rushing touchdowns. Because of his excellent performance, he won the 2016 X-League Rookie of the Year award.

Saskatchewan Roughriders (Canada)

In June 2018, Devin signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He was released by the team in August 2018.

Media Career

In September 2019, it was announced that Devin Gardner joined Bally Sports Detroit. He helps cover high school football games for them. He also works as a commentator for Fox Sports 1's college football coverage.

Personal Life

Devin Gardner was featured in the "Faces in the Crowd" section of Sports Illustrated magazine in November 2009. He earned a college degree in Afro-American and African studies from the University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. He is also studying for a master's degree in social work at the university.

See also

• Michigan Wolverines football statistical leaders