Hartline was born in suburban Canton, Ohio. Both he and his older brother Brian,[2] who is a former NFL wide receiver and current offensive coordinator at The Ohio State University, played football at GlenOak High School in Canton.
While a sophomore at GlenOak High School, Hartline became the starting quarterback for the team when his brother Brian moved from quarterback to wide receiver.[2] He started at quarterback his last two years in high school, attracting the attention of college scouts. In addition to Kentucky, he also expressed an interest in Ohio State (where his brother played) and Wisconsin.
College career
Hartline signed with the Wildcats and redshirted in 2006. He saw limited action in 2007, backing up starting quarterback André Woodson. Hartline won the starting quarterback job in 2008 following Woodson's graduation, although later in the season he shared quarterback duties with freshman Randall Cobb. He stands 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 206 pounds.[3]
On September 15, 2008, Hartline was chosen as the SEC Offensive Player of the Week. In Kentucky's game against Middle Tennessee State University on September 13, Hartline completed 28 of 47 passes for 254 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.[4] On January 2, 2009, Hartline led the Wildcats to a victory over East Carolina in the Liberty Bowl, taking all snaps at quarterback due to an injury to Cobb, retaining his starting quarterback role for the Wildcats.
In the 2008 season, Hartline completed 172 of 311 passes for 1,666 yards. He threw nine touchdown passes versus eight interceptions, completed 55.3% of his pass attempts and had a quarterback rating of 104.7.[5]
He completed 32-of-42 passes for 4 touchdowns and 349 yards during a win against the University of South Carolina in October 2010, rallying the team from a 28-10 halftime deficit. He was named the National Performer of the Week and National Quarterback of the Week for his efforts.[6]
The 2010 season was Hartline's best statistical season, throwing for 3,178 yards with 268 completions on 405 attempts. He finished the season with 23 touchdowns and 9 interceptions.[7] Despite leading the Wildcats to the BBVA Compass Bowl (now known as the Birmingham Bowl), Hartline would be unable to play in the final game of his collegiate career due to suspension.[8]
On January 12, 2012, the Patriots signed Hartline for the 2012 season. He was released on May 15, 2012.
Post-playing career
After his playing career ended, Hartline worked as an account executive for the Miami Dolphins before being hired by Ohio State in 2015 as a quarterback coach intern.[11] He was added to the coaching staff at Cincinnati as a quality control and assistant quarterbacks coach. He was named the offensive coordinator at Ohio Dominican in 2019.[12]
In 2022, Hartline was hired as an offensive analyst by Auburn.[1] Following Bryan Harsin's dismissal as head coach, interim head coach Cadillac Williams elevated Hartline to quarterbacks coach for the rest of the season.[13]
Hartline was hired by new Charlotte 49ers head coach Biff Poggi as the pass game coordinator and wide receivers coach for the upcoming 2023 season.[13]
