After a competition that really began with the start to practice in spring 2007, Western Kentucky University football appears to have found its starting quarterback two and a half weeks into its 2008 preseason camp.

WKU head coach David Elson said Wednesday morning that man is K.J. Black, who split time with David Wolke at the position last season.

Elson said he told Black, Wolke and junior Brandon Smith of the decision Tuesday night after post-practice team meetings.

"We simply feel like they've all done a great job," said Elson. "But it was time to make a decision going into this mock game (6 p.m. CDT Wednesday) and we feel like K.J.'s going to give us the best opportunity to win."

Elson said going into the spring he thought the Hilltoppers were best in a one-quarterback system after rotating Wolke and Black in and out of the lineup last season. He says this year, there'll be no quarterback rotation for WKU.

"Like any position, you're going to continue to evaluate it. But we've stated very clearly to K.J., 'Don't be worrying, looking over your shoulder or that it's a short leash or anything like that'," Elson said. "(We've) got complete confidence in K.J. to run our offense and help us win against Indiana and that's all we're worried about."

Black missed practice time this preseason with an injured hamstring, but emerges as the starter after a scrimmage in which none of WKU's top three quarterbacks led the first-team offense to a touchdown. He led the Hilltoppers with 1,007 passing yards and 1,331 total yards as a redshirt freshman in 2007, while tying running back Tyrell Hayden for the team lead in touchdowns accounted for with 10.

WKU now briefly turns its attention to a final scrimmage of preseason camp Wednesday night at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. The team will wear its game uniforms for the contest, which is designed to replicate game day as much as possible. The Hilltoppers will then turn their attention to their season opener at Indiana Aug. 30.