HOOVER, Ala. — Mark Stoops has fielded questions since the start of spring concerning Kentucky’s quarterback situation this season.

Will the coaching staff choose incumbent Patrick Towles or touted redshirt freshman Drew Barker to lead Shannon Dawson’s first-year offense?

Stoops doesn’t have a timetable on naming a starter, but says both passers have made progress and provided several new details into the competition Wednesday at SEC Media Days.

“There is a competition there and I’ve said it before, I think Patrick obviously has the leg up because of the experience he has and he really did some very good things at times last year,” Stoops said. “I really like the progress that he made this spring, but I also like Drew Barker and the talent that he has.”

RELATED: Stoops on FSU’s domestic violence issues, Jimbo Fisher

Towles, who threw for 2,700 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, was pushed by Barker in April from an athleticism standpoint, an encouraging wrinkle that could benefit Kentucky’s uptempo attack according to Stoops.

When the Wildcats’ offense clicked last fall, first downs were plentiful and Towles made plays down the field and with his feet out of the pocket.

Stoops wants more of the same from whomever wins the starting job during fall practice.

“I think they’re similar in a lot of ways, they both can run a little bit and they both have strong arms,” Stoops said. “Drew may be more accurate on intermediate throws, but Patrick is greatly improved in that area. So it’s just close. They’re more similar than they are different, so we’ll see.

“Drew hasn’t played in a game environment and I think any time you play the quarterback position, I think that’s key, getting him under center in a game. I believe Drew has that something you’re looking for when you get under center and you put him in the game and the lights come on. That ability to make plays.”