Tag: Devin Gardner

Devin Gardner reveals his breakout Michigan football player in 2024

He compared him to an Alabama great. #GoBlue

Michigan football fans are wondering which new or newer faces will take on greater responsibility in 2024. But a former Wolverine has the answer.

Now a color commentator for Fox Sports and Bally Sports, former Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner still bleeds maize and blue and he has some insight as to one player who could make a big impact this season, and it happens to be at a big position of need.

While everyone is talking about Tyler Morris and Semaj Morgan at the wide receiver position, it’s sophomore Fredrick Moore that Gardner says will step up and should have a big year. He even compares him to one of the star Alabama receivers of the past few years.

“I’m telling you, this kid, I think, is going to be very special,” Gardner said on Red Corner Blue Corner. “Nobody really knows about this. Yet he came in (2023), 6-1, about 180-190 (pounds). And I went to a spring practice, and I’m just like, ‘Look at this kid No. 3 go.’ I’m talking about running curls, stopping, and it immediately reminded me of Jerry Jeudy, right? Everybody remembers Jerry Jeudy, how he stops, it’s like he doesn’t have knees. Like, how are you stopping so hard and going the other direction?

“And that’s what he has, got good speed. And then he performed in the spring game. I think he’s gonna be a name that all Michigan fans are gonna learn fairly quickly.”

Moore appeared in 13 games in his freshman season last year. In those games, he had four catches for 32 yards, but in the spring game, he had two catches for 76 yards, including a 48-yard touchdown.

Why one former Michigan football star believes the Wolverines can handle Alabama

This one player could be the difference maker. #GoBlue

Two years ago, as Michigan football took the field across from Georgia in the College Football Playoff semifinal in Miami Gardens, Florida, it became apparent quickly that the Wolverines were not in the same league with the Bulldogs. Despite having the Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line, having to contend with UGA defensive tackle Jordan Davis was going to be a tough ask.

Fast forward to 2023, and perhaps the maize and blue have a player of the same caliber that Alabama will have to contend with in the Rose Bowl.

Second-year interior defensive lineman Kenneth Grant has been an absolute beast for the Wolverines, coming in at 6-foot-3 and 339 pounds. Despite that size, Grant ran down Penn State running back Kaytron Allen as if he was a linebacker, showcasing impressive speed along with his girth.

Now an analyst for Fox Sports, former Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner believes that Grant will play a huge role for Michigan when it takes on the Crimson Tide on New Year’s Day.

Grant isn’t even the top-listed defensive interior player for the Wolverines according to PFF. That honor belongs to Mason Graham at No. 6 overall. But Grant is 29th in the country in overall defensive interior performance this year and 37th in interior pass rush. When paired with Graham in the middle and with edge rusher Jaylen Harrell working the outside, it’s a formidable group that could change the game up front for the maize and blue against the Crimson Tide.