Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner has impressed a lot of people this off season. He was recently named to the Davey O’Brien Award watch list. (Leader photo/File)

ANN ARBOR — University of Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner was named as one of 34 quarterbacks across the country to the 2013 Davey O’Brien Award preseason watch list.

The Davey O’Brien Award is presented to the nation’s most outstanding quarterback.

Gardner, one of three Big Ten quarterbacks on the list, appeared in 13 games in 2012, beginning the season as a wide receiver before finishing the final five games at quarterback. He completed 75-of-126 passes for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns with five interceptions, while rushing 47 times for 101 yards and seven touchdowns. He also caught 16 passes for 266 yards and four touchdowns.

Gardner accounted for at least two touchdowns in each of his five games at quarterback last season and earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors twice.

Sixteen semifinalists for the award will be announced Nov. 4. The foundation and the selection committee will announce three finalists Nov. 25, and the Davey O’Brien Award winner will be announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards Dec. 12.

The Davey O’Brien Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA). The NCFAA and its members are unveiling their preseason watch lists over a 12-day period in July. Fifteen of the association’s 21 awards select a preseason watch list.

The Walter Camp Award preseason watch list will be revealed today.