Junior Mike Hartline and freshman Morgan Newton will both play at quarterback in Saturday’s game at Vanderbilt, UK head coach Rich Brooks announced at practice Thursday. A starter will be determined just prior to the game.
Newton had started the last four games since Hartline suffered a knee injury at South Carolina. There was still swelling in Hartline’s knee and Brooks said he was rusty at times, but Brooks said Hartline would be evaluated before the game.
Hartline said the biggest obstacle for him coming back would be getting over the mental hurdle the first time he saw the field.
“Obviously practice isn’t like a game,†Hartline said. “Once I get out in the flow of things, they always say the first play, the first throw, the first hit, after that you’re fine.â€
Brown not in contact with WKU
Defensive coordinator Steve Brown said he has not been contacted by Western Kentucky University about its coaching vacancy.
Brown’s name has been floated as a possible replacement for David Elson, who was fired earlier this week.
“Obviously it would be a great opportunity, but my focus right now is Vanderbilt,†Brown said.
Brown did say he could be interested in becoming a head coach in the future.
“Everybody would like to be a head coach, I think,†Brown said. “You’d like to be in front of a group of men and be their leader but time will tell if that will happen.â€
Good. Brooks is playing the media game again just like with Auburn. Vandy has film on both QB’s but they are forced to wait until game day to know for certain.
This provides anf off-balance effect.
I think Newton will start, as he should. Maybe Hartline can get some minutes, but only if there is no danger of him becoming a liability to himself or the team. Fidler is always there if necessary.
Newton needs this SEC experience. It can only help our team.