General | August 27, 2019 | 8:01

The Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic, Michigan's premier high school football season-opening event, is celebrating its 15th anniversary this summer -- Aug. 29-31 at Wayne State -- in grand fashion with marque matchups from start to finish.

Many notable student-athletes have participated in the Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic over the years, including Inkster High School product and 2009 Most Outstanding Player Devin Gardner.

The Detroit native was a two-time first-team all-state selection while at Inkster, and he led the Vikings to back-to-back state title game appearances in 2008 and '09.

He used his prowess on the football field and in the classroom to earn a scholarship to the University of Michigan, where he was a four-year letterman and earned a bachelor's degree in Afro-American and African studies.

During his time in Ann Arbor, he joined the U-M record books in several offensive categories. He ranks No. 4 all-time in completions (475), No. 4 all-time in passing yards (6,336) and No. 6 all-time in passing touchdowns (44). He also owns the two highest passing-yard games in program history (503 vs. Indiana in 2013 and 451 vs. Ohio State in '13).

Since leaving Michigan, he's had stops in the NFL (offseason stints with the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers), the X-League in Japan (with the Nojima Sagamihara Rise) and in the Canadian Football League (with the Saskatchewan Roughriders).

Find out what he had to say about those professional football experiences, what he's doing now and more by reading the Q&A below!     
 
Q: What was it like playing in the 2009 Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic against Ann Arbor Pioneer, in which you were named Most Outstanding Player for your efforts?

A: It was awesome! Although I had played at Ford Field in the state championship a year prior, it was a great experience playing in that atmosphere and in front of a pretty big crowd!
He added, Even though we didn't get the win as a team (lost, 35-32), I think I kind of solidified myself as a prime-time player in the state!
 
Q: You went to back-to-back state title games at Inkster in 2008 and 2009. Although those games both resulted in losses, how cool were those experiences for you, and what did you learn from each of them?

A: It was great getting to a place where many players never reach. In both years, there were adverse situations throughout the season that I think would have broken most teams. And the fact we were able to endure and overcome to get to those title games, I think it prepared everyone on those teams for life!  
 
Q: As a senior, what was it like dealing with all the attention you received as a result of being considered by some recruiting services, such as Rivals, as the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in the country?

A: Social media wasn't as big as it is now. So, aside from the people waiting at our bus for pictures and autographs after games, it was pretty ordinary. 
 
Q: How did you end up playing collegiately at the University of Michigan?

A: I just knew that Michigan would be the best place for me in all areas. I thought it would set me up for greatness not only in football but also in my life once I hung up the cleats!
 
Q: Looking back at it now, how would you describe your time at the University of Michigan, which included you taking snaps at both quarterback and wide receiver?

A: It was an amazing experience. When you look back over your career and see such a lack of stability in many areas and your name is still in the record books (in the top five of all quarterbacking categories) at such a prestigious institution, it makes you feel really good!
 
Q: What did your time at the University of Michigan teach you?

A: Endure, have courage and believe that everything will work in your favor.
 
Q: You had stints in the NFL, the X-League in Japan and in the Canadian Football League after leaving Michigan. What were each of those experiences like?

A: They were all a dream come true! To get paid good money to do something you would have done for free is a great feeling, and it's what every kid dreams of.
 
Q: What was living in Japan like, and how different is life there compared to life in the U.S.?

A: It was very different. And I would say that the two biggest differences are that everything there is smaller, from the furniture to the doorways and the food portions. Secondly, respect is paramount in their culture. Everything they do and the way they live their lives starts with respect for others and then everything else.        

Q: The Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. What do you think the event has meant to the city of Detroit over time?

A: It's been great, and a lot of talented athletes have come through this event. And it's great to see the whole metro Detroit area come out to support such a great sporting event!
 
Q: I know you have a list of youth QBs that you have trained and are currently training. And I know one of your current pupils is Detroit King freshman QB Dante Moore. What kind of skills does he bring to the table, and what does he need to continue to work on in order to become the most productive all-around passer he possibly can be?

A: He's a very talented young man that understands work. He's very diligent and strategic in his approach to improving his game. I believe if he continues to improve in all areas, he, one day, could be in the conversation for the top quarterback in the country.     
 
Q: What specific skills do you like emphasizing with the passers you train?

A: Confidence and foot placement. A lot of young quarterbacks and people carry themselves with a false bravado, but deep down, aren't truly as confident as they seem. I try to make sure my quarterbacks develop true, authentic confidence that comes from the countless hours of work they put in. Furthermore, with most quarterbacks, no matter how talented, tying their feet to their eyes is something they all must improve upon and it comes from repetition.   
 
Q: What's your word of advice to any young QB that's dealing with the same amount of attention and pressure you did while in high school?

A: What other people think of you is none of your business! Keep your head down and work! Actively seek out ways to improve, leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of your goals and in the end, when the high school dust settles, you will be one step closer to everything you want out of your football life!