Michigan Quarterback Russell Bellomy Tears His ACL
By Kyle Kensing
October 13, 2012; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Russell Bellomy (8) runs the ball at Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Tommy Davis (17) in the second half at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 45-0. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Per the official Michigan Wolverines football Twitter account, quarterback Russell Bellomy suffered a torn ACL in spring practice over the weekend, sidelining him indefinitely.
Injury Report: Quarterback Russell Bellomy is out indefinitely with a torn ACL suffered in last Friday's practice.
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) April 1, 2013
The freshman from Arlington, Texas saw minimal reps in the 2012 season, most of which came in a disastrous performance at Nebraska. Bellomy threw as many interceptions (3) as completions in his 16 pass attempts. Michigan lost, 23-9.
Bellomy’s struggles forced Brady Hoke to move Devin Gardner back to quarterback after working at wide receiver. Gardner was a recruit of former Wolverine head coach Rich Rodriguez, brought to Ann Arbor to run the zone-read spread option offense.
Current Michigan offensive coordinator Al Borges, famous for running a West Coast offense, sought a more conventional Pro Set play caller. But Gardner actually flourished after resuming quarterback duties on Nov. 3, throwing for 11 touchdowns and 1219 yards in five starts.
Gardner opened the spring the presumptive starter, even drawing comparisons to successful NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Bellomy was not necessarily in the running to compete for the No. 1 job, but was second on the Wolverine depth chart.
His injury leaves a considerable void on the two-deep chart. Class of 2013 signee Shane Morris does not arrive until the summer, but could have an immediate leg up on reserve duties. Morris is the most ballyhooed of the quarterbacks on Hoke’s roster, after Gardner.