Kentucky's Brooks in no hurry to name starting quarterback

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) -- Rich Brooks is in no hurry to name a starting quarterback.

The Kentucky head coach said Thursday there is no timetable for when he'll decide if Curtis Pulley or Mike Hartline will be under center when the Wildcats open the season at rival Louisville on Aug. 31.

"When it feels right, we'll make that decision," Brooks said during the annual Governor's Cup luncheon.

Brooks was quick to praise the play of both Pulley and Hartline during spring practice as the two battle to replace Andre Woodson, who led the Wildcats to consecutive 8-5 seasons and a pair of Music City Bowl victories.

If they pick up where they left off following the Blue-White game, Brooks didn't rule out using both quarterbacks when the season begins.

"I do anticipate that they both may see some action this year, be it injury or otherwise," Brooks said. "I think both of them are going to have a role on this football team."

Hartline, a sophomore, threw for all of 34 yards in mop-up duty last year. Pulley, a junior, redshirted last season but saw limited time at quarterback in 2005 and 2006 primarily as a backup to Woodson.

They played to a draw during spring drills, and both looked comfortable running the offense during the Blue-White game in April. Pulley completed 12-of-26 passes for 134 yards with a touchdown and an interception and added 82 yards on the ground, including the game-winning 17-yard touchdown in the final minutes. Hartline hit 11-of-28 passes for 124 yards with a pick and a score and added 38 yards and a touchdown rushing.

Though neither has Woodson's polish, both have shown they're capable runners who should have little problem tucking the ball if the pocket collapses.

"I'm confident that position won't have as many sacks, won't have as many negative plays from the rushing position," Brooks said. "What we need to do is make sure we don't have a big increase on the interception end from that position."

That may have as much to do with who starts against the Cardinals as who makes the most big plays.

"What they do well is going to determine who is going to start, but also the one that has less negative plays is probably making a major step forward," Brooks said.

Louisville's quarterback position is a little more settled. Senior Hunter Cantwell is firmly entrenched as the starter after spending three years backing up Brian Brohm. Cantwell has sparkled when called upon, though coach Steve Kragthorpe admits things will be different now that Cantwell will have the spotlight to himself.

"Now he's truly 'The Guy,"' Kragthorpe said. "I think in terms of his focus, his preparation, he has a little bit different mindset in terms of what he has to do in terms of being the quarterback."

Cantwell might be one of the few spots where the Cardinals don't have question marks heading into camp. There are major holes at wide receiver and linebacker, as well as a handful of new coaches the players must adjust to as the team tries to bounce back after a disappointing 6-6 season.

Taking back the Governor's Cup -- which the Wildcats won 40-34 last season -- could go a long way to determining if the Cardinals are indeed back.

"It can be a huge springboard for you when you win that football game into the rest of the season," Kragthorpe said.

Camp opens for both schools on Aug. 5.

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