Gardner Named Senior CLASS Award Finalist
11/11/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 11, 2014
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner is one of 10 finalists for the Senior CLASS Award, it was announced Tuesday (Nov. 11).
Gardner is 139-of-227 passing for 1,557 yards with eight touchdowns and has added 155 yards and three touchdowns rushing this season. Gardner's completion percentage of 61.2 ranks fourth in the Big Ten. In his career, the Detroit native is 440-of-731 passing for 5,997 yards and 42 touchdowns with 813 yards and 23 touchdowns rushing. He ranks in the top 10 on Michigan career lists for completions, passing efficiency, completion percentage, passing touchdowns, passing yards, passing yards per game, total offense and total offense per game.
Gardner has graduated with a bachelor's degree in Afro-American and American studies and is currently enrolled in the Master of Social Work Program. He wears number 98, a Legends Jersey honoring Michigan's first Heisman Trophy winner Tom Harmon, and has served as a team captain for the Wolverines' games against Appalachian State, Rutgers and Michigan State this season.
Gardner takes regular visits to the University of Michigan's C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and frequently visits schools to interact with and read to classes, speak at graduations and assist with field days. Over the summer, he spent six hours daily volunteering at the Peace Neighborhood Center in Ann Arbor. Gardner also has participated in events including U-Meet the Athlete Clinics, Food Gatherers Food Drive and a Michigan ACES event.
To be eligible for the Senior CLASS Award, a student-athlete must be classified as a senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence - community, classroom, character and competition. An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School®, the Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities.
The 10 finalists are now placed on the official ballot, and fans can vote daily at www.seniorclassaward.com/vote/football_2014/ through Dec. 15. Ballots will be distributed through a nationwide voting system to media, coaches and fans with the winner announced in January.
Media Contact: Derek Satterfield; dsatt@umich.edu, (734) 647-1192
