QB mystery still unsolved, but Denker 'playing better'

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Arizona quarterback B.J. Denker doesn't know, and head coach Rich Rodriguez isn't saying.

With the season kickoff now just eight days away, the Wildcats have yet to say who will take the field as their starting quarterback.

Denker, a senior and last season's backup to Matt Scott, entered the fall as the favorite but had some rough days in camp while trying to separate himself from a host of challengers, including Jesse Scroggins, Javelle Allen and Nick Isham.

Rodriguez jokingly said "why would I tell you?" who is leading before offering this nugget on Wednesday: "B.J. has been ahead from day 1 just because of experience. I challenge him more, and B.J. has responded to the challenge moreso than the last few days. He's playing better, good for him."

But Rodriguez would not go so far as to say he's the starter for next Friday's opener with Northern Arizona.

Rodriguez said he should know more by the weekend but hasn't decided if he will make his choice public.

Throughout the last couple of weeks, Rodriguez has stressed that his quarterbacks be smarter and make better decisions. Denker, who started one game for an injured Scott last year, played well enough in Saturday's scrimmage to give a hint that he's ahead.

"I'm just coming out here to compete," Denker said. "It doesn't matter if I got a slight edge on Saturday or not. I need to perform well every day."