Hartline had an impressive 2010 for the Wildcats, but it was cut short because of off-field problems. He was arrested in December on disorderly conduct and alcohol intoxication charges and was suspended by head coach Joker Phillips for the BBVA Compass Bowl.
After redshirting his first year in Lexington, Hartline was the team's backup quarterback as a redshirt freshman and appeared in four games. He started the first eight games of his sophomore season before being benched in favor of all-purpose threat Randall Cobb. Hartline returned to start in the team's bowl game and ended the season with 1,666 yards, nine touchdowns and eight interceptions.
His junior year was also stunted, as he started the first five games before suffering a knee injury (802 passing yards, six touchdowns, seven interceptions).
Hartline's most productive season came as a senior, when he completed 66.2 percent of his passes for 3,178 yards and 23 scores against just nine interceptions.
Hartline has a lot of physical tools with which NFL coaches can work. He has great size and above average arm strength, but has inconsistent accuracy and must answer questions about his career-ending suspension. He will most likely find a roster spot for training camp and could catch on if he continues to develop his physical tools and can put his off-the-field problem behind him.
Analysis
Strengths: Has the arm strength to squeeze throws into tight spaces. Accurate on corner routes and throwing intermediate passes over the middle. Able to put the ball where only his receiver has a chance at it. Very accurate on deep passes. Puts good touch on the ball when throwing deep downfield. Has the arm strength to throw effectively off his back foot. Puts good zip on the ball on wide receiver screens. Willing to stay in the pocket and take a hit. Gets the ball out quickly. Sells the deep pass well on running back screens. Strong enough to be effective on quarterback sneaks. Throws accurately when running to the right. Buys himself time and can find open receivers when scrambling. Experience under center and in the shotgun.
Weaknesses: Has a real tendency to throw off his back foot. Inconsistent accuracy, has too many passes sail on him due to high release point. Trusts his arm too much and throws into coverage when he is under pressure. Gets lazy on short throws, losing accuracy and quick delivery. Does not utilize his lower body in his throws. Inaccurate when rolling to his left. Does not see the entire field well, determine who he is throwing to before the snap. Does not have a good feel for backside or inside pressure. Not a great athlete and is a somewhat clumsy runner who will struggle to evade NFL defenders.
