Where Are They Now: Mike Hartline

Mike Hartline became the starting quarterback at GlenOak High School in Canton, Ohio as a sophomore. Hartline’s starting role gained him a lot of attention from college scouts including Ohio State and Wisconsin. However, Hartline decided to take his football talents to Lexington where he signed with Kentucky in 2006.

Hartline redshirted his first season at Kentucky and saw little action in his redshirt freshman season as a backup behind Andre Woodson. Hartline won the starting quarterback position in 2008 following Woodson’s graduation. Hartline was chosen as SEC Offensive Player of the Week following Kentucky’s 20-14 win over Middle Tennessee. Hartline threw for 354 yards (28-47) and two touchdowns with no interceptions. However, late in the season Hartline shared the starting quarterback spot with freshman Randall Cobb. Hartline finished his sophomore season leading Kentucky to a 25-19 victory over East Carolina in the 2009 Liberty Bowl.

Hartline opened his junior season as the starting quarterback after Randall Cobb moved to the wide receiver position. In the fifth game of the season against No. 25 South Carolina Hartline tore his MCL, which sidelined him for most of the season except for a brief appearance in the Vanderbilt game. Hartline underwent surgery following the Vandy game that officially ended his junior season. Hartline began his senior season again as the starting quarterback. Hartline brought his team back from a 28-10 halftime deficit by throwing for a career best of 349 yards, four touchdowns and no interception in a 31-28 upset over South Carolina. Hartline’s efforts earned him the National Performer of the Week and National Quarterback of the Week. His career at Kentucky ended early after being suspended from the 2011 BBVA Compass Bowl.

The Indianapolis Colts signed Hartline as an undrafted free agent following the 2011 NFL Draft on July 26. However, the Colts waived Hartline on Aug. 28 after attempting only two preseason passes. The New England Patriots signed Hartline to a futures contract on Jan. 12, 2012. Hartline was fourth in the Patriots’ quarterback depth chart and was released on May 15.

Following his short professional football career, Hartline worked a short stint as a sales and marketing consultant Vantage Point Consulting, Inc. in Columbus, Ohio. From 2012 to 2015 Hartline worked for the Miami Dolphins and Sun Life Stadium. Hartline worked as an account executive and member service representative. Hartline worked for the Miami Dolphin organization while his brother, Brian Hartline, played wide receiver for the team.

This past February Hartline was hired as a quarterback intern coach at Ohio State University. Hartline will get the pleasure of coaching the reigning national champions and two of the best quarterbacks in college football, Cardale Jones and J.T. Barrett. Mike Hartline made headlines this past week by dressing up as a mannequin in Ohio State’s pro combat uniforms and scaring various football players. Cardale Jones has the best reaction.

Video: Mike Hartline scared the hell out of Cardale Jones, other Bucks at the Woody today. http://t.co/nTetHUgTzl pic.twitter.com/W9XmFPoq49

— Eleven Warriors (@11W) July 27, 2015

This video gave me chills. Cannot wait for the atmosphere at CWS to be like this again.