What are your expectations for Devin Gardner in 2013?

The Denard Robinson era of Michigan football is officially over.

Now the Wolverines’ offense is solely in the hands of Devin Gardner.

Some Michigan fans have been waiting a few years for this time, while others feel Robinson was one of the all-time greats in Michigan’s football history.

Either way, now is Gardner’s time and the expectations for him are great.

The junior is a clear upgrade in terms of his passing. He completed 59.5 percent of his passes last season, going 75-of-126 during the year, which spanned five games and four starts. Gardner averaged 243.8 passing yards per game in his five appearances and he accumulated 11 touchdown passes to five interceptions.

I don’t think it is asking too much for Gardner to throw for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns this season, as long as he stays healthy. I would expect Michigan to keep Gardner more in the pocket and not have him do too much running, like it did with Robinson.

Gardner averaged just 2.1 yards per carry last season, and while he is a great athlete, he is not nearly as comfortable running with the football as Robinson. I don’t think the Wolverines will shy away from having Gardner run a few times each game, but I don’t expect them to put Gardner in a position to get hit often.

Gardner gives Michigan the ability to run a pro-style offense that should be very effective and should get the Wolverines’ receivers more involved in the offense. Michigan hasn’t averaged more than 250 passing yards per game in a season since Lloyd Carr was the head coach. That could change this season.

What are your expectations for Devin Gardner in 2013? Will he ultimately be the quarterback that Michigan fans want?

How many yards will Devin Gardner pass for this season?