Is it too early to talk football?  I don’t think so - especially since the 2008 season might be the most important for the University of Kentucky in decades.  The Cats have built a solid amount of momentum over the past two seasons and now, with the stars of those teams leaving, it’s time to see if Rich Brooks is in the midst of rebuilding the program or if the past two seasons were just an aberration.  If Kentucky is going to continue to build the program and maintain a level of respectability, the responsibility will fall directly on the man who lines up under center.

Saturday’s first scrimmage of the year provided the first chance for Wildcat fans to see what the team had in store for 2008.  Here is how the competetion at this key position played out.

Quarterbacks

Mike Hartline - Hartline, a sophomore, played six drives in the scrimmage, splitting them between the first and second team offense and led the Cats on three drives ending in scoring opportunities.  On these drives, they finished with one touchdown and two field goal attempts, one missed and one made.  Hartline finished his day 12-19 for 175 yards, but threw for no touchdowns.

Will Fidler - Fidler, also a sophomore, played one series with the first team offense and five with the third team.  Although, long considered the third man in this competition, finished 4-10 for 92 yards, with 1 TD and 1 INT.

Curtis Pulley - Pulley, who everyone seems to expect to be Andre Woodson’s succesor struggled a bit in the scrimmage, but still managed to move the ball effectively.  The junior played six drives and, like Hartline, split them between the first and second team.  Pulley didn’t look too hot passing the ball, going 3-10 for 31 yards and an INT, but also ran for 45 yards on nine carries.  However, Pulley did lead the Cats to three scoring drives - one FG and touchdown runs by Alfonso Smith and John Conner.

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The WR position is the spot that causes the most concern because of lack of experience.  E.J. Adams had a great first scrimmage, catching 4 passes for 167 yards and a TD……The running game was again handled by committee with Smith carrying 9 times for 60 yards and 2 TDs, Derrick Locke 5 times for 31 yards, and Tony Dixon 5 times for 25 yards……Dicky Lyons, Jr. had three catches for 8 yards……Marcus McClinton and Micah Johnson each had interceptions for the defense.