UM signs 20th ranked recruiting class

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) - Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez says Devin

Gardner will compete with quarterbacks Tate Forcier and Denard

Robinson right away.

Rodriguez announced 27 players signed letters of intent

Wednesday, including Gardner and six others who are taking classes

and working out with the Wolverines.

The 6-foot-4, 205-pound Gardner, from Inkster High School, has

drawn rave reviews for his running and passing ability.

Forcier started 12 games last season as the Wolverines opened

4-0 and finished 5-7 a year after losing a school-record nine games

in Rodriguez's debut with college football's winningest program.

Michigan got needed help on defense, signing standout defensive

backs Demar Dorsey, Cullen Christian and Marvin Robinson.