April 1, 2013 - 2:25pm
Russell Bellomy tears ACL, leaving Michigan with one scholarship quarterback on roster
BY ZACH HELFAND
Another Michigan football player has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear. This time, it’s redshirt sophomore quarterback Russell Bellomy, who suffered the injury in last Friday’s practice, the team announced Monday.
Bellomy likely would have been the backup quarterback to redshirt junior Devin Gardner, and the injury leaves Gardner as the only healthy scholarship quarterback left on the roster.
The other quarterbacks on the team are redshirt freshmen Brian Cleary and Shaun Austin, along with redshirt sophomore Alex Swieca, none of whom have seen any game action. Shane Morris, a highly-touted freshman for the 2013 season, could become the backup.
The injury is the second ACL injury to hit Michigan during spring practices. Redshirt junior Jake Ryan, the starting strong-side linebacker, suffered an ACL tear on March 19.
“It’s unfortunate, especially for a kid who battled through a tough injury last season and was having a really good spring,” said Michigan coach Brady Hoke in a statement. “We’ll continue to support Russell and look forward to having him back on the field.”
Bellomy saw action last year in Michigan’s loss to Nebraska, and struggled after an injury knocked quarterback Denard Robinson out of the game. He didn’t play for the remaineder of the year, as Gardner switched back from wide receiver to assume the starting quarterback role.
In the offseason, both Hoke and offensive coordinator Al Borges seemed bullish on Bellomy, who had worked to put on more weight.
“He’s throwing the ball really, really good,” Borges said after a practice on March 26. “He’s gained some confidence back I think. He probably lost a little bit -- who wouldn’t, I guess. He’s had a really good six days of spring football. He’s smart. He’s such an intelligent kid. He takes to coaching exceptionally well. ... I think as he grows more in the position, he will be a very good quarterback. He’s certainly showing it out here in the first six days.”
Though Gardner was the overwhelming favorite to keep the starting job for the 2013 season, Hoke hoped Bellomy could push Gardner.
“We’re excited about (Bellomy),” Hoke said after the first spring practice on March 14. “Devin and him, they’ll compete. Don’t assume that this is ‘here you go.’ They have to compete.”
