Hartline goes through practice, quarterback situation unclear

Junior quarterback Mike Hartline went through a full practice on Tuesday and reported no setbacks while recovering from his knee injury.

UK head coach Rich Brooks has not named a starter for Saturday’s game at Vanderbilt, but said earlier Hartline would start if healthy. Brooks gave Hartline a mixed review after watching him return to practice this week.

“Hartline did some good things and then a couple of times looked like he had a little rust on him,” Brooks said. “Now the question is how that knee will respond in the next 24 hours. He moved around well and executed the whole offense.”

Hartline wore a brace on the injured knee, which he said somewhat limited his movement. He said he felt no pain dropping back to pass and getting set to throw, but felt some pain while scrambling or rolling out.

“Planting and throwing isn’t that bad,” Hartline said. “It’s more or less just running and my leg opening and closing, just stuff like that.”

Tight ends biding their time

After playing for eight consecutive weeks, there are plenty of Cats who are banged up. No position may have been hit harder than the tight end position, though.

Seniors T.C. Drake and Ross Bogue, who have alternated as starters to this point in the season, are both nursing injuries. Drake is out  two to three weeks with a pulled groin and Bogue could miss this week or be limited with a thumb injury.

That opens the door for other players who have seen their playing time decrease this season, like senior Maurice Grinter.

“I’ve been waiting for my name to be called all year,” Grinter said. “Just coming out here and contributing will put a smile on my face. And I’m ready to go.”

Sophomore Nick Melillo, a walk-on whose biggest claim to fame is making four catches for 43 yards and two scores in the spring game, is another option who should see more snaps.

Melillo has been making the move to tight end from wide receiver in the last few months and put on 28 pounds to adjust to the position. Even though he has played receiver since high school, he actually prefers playing tight end.

“I like physicality,” Melillo said. “I’m an aggressive player and I like tight end a lot more. I’ve got the routes down, I like the blocking aspect, I just have to get a lot better at it.”

Brooks praised Melillo for his play in practice and expects him to see more time on the field in the future. When the three seniors graduate, Melillo will be one of the most experienced players at the position next season. But for now, an all-smiles Melillo said he can’t wait to play Vanderbilt.

“It’s going to be exciting,” Melillo said. “I’ve had some opportunities, I’ve had some game experience, but definitely when the opportunity comes I’m ready to go on Saturday.”