Kentucky backup QBs lack experience

[WildcatRick]

Shortly after naming freshman Mike Hartline as the backup to preseason all-conference quarterback Andre Woodson, Kentucky coach Rich Brooks was asked whether he was comfortable handing the offense over to Hartline if something were to happen to the team's star.

Short answer: No.

"You're talking about the difference between a fifth-year senior who had 31 touchdowns last year and a guy who has never played in the league," Brooks said. "I'm not very comfortable. I need to get him in situations that will allow him to get that experience."


The dynamic of setting the Wildcats' quarterback depth chart couldn't be more different this year than it was a year ago.

Last year, Woodson and speedster Curtis Pulley were locked in a battle throughout the spring and summer for the No. 1 job. Either was experienced enough to be a more than capable backup, but questions surfaced about whether one could become a viable starter in the grueling Southeastern Conference.

Woodson quickly answered those doubts once games began, leading the team to its first bowl victory in 22 years and placing himself alongside Tim Couch in the Kentucky record books.
This year, Woodson breaks camp as the entrenched starter -- arguably one of the nation's best. But with Pulley skipping the season because of academic troubles, the battle to back up Woodson came down to three freshmen -- redshirts Hartline and Will Fidler, along with newcomer Matt Lentz.

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=261384

[BigblueDrew]

Andre Woodson MUST stay healthy. He goes down and we are FUBAR.

[Trueblujr]

Assuming Andre doesn't manage to go out and get hurt right out of the gate, and assuming the offense gets the job done while the defense does it's job as well, I hope Hartline gets serious mop up minutes in the first two games. I also wouldn't mind seeing him get a series or two in pressure situations if he performs well initially. We have to have a reliable back-up this year. Woodson is likely to get knocked around a few times and needs to have somebody capable to step in and perform if he needs to clear his head or get something wrapped up for a series or few plays.

I hope Woodson is on the bench midway through the 3rd quarter next saturday. and hopefully the following week, though Kent will be a bit of a tougher test.

[gerntz]

I'm happy that inexperience with backups is one of our bigger problems for a change.

[johnkyblue]

That's why it's very important for Andre to lead his team to a big lead quick in 6 days, 1 hour, and 23 minutes.