East Carolina transfer Kurt Benkert will be the starting quarterback for the Virginia Cavaliers this season, coach Bronco Mendenhall announced Wednesday.

Benkert got the nod over returning starter Matt Johns, who is now listed as the co-backup with Connor Brewer. It will be the fifth consecutive season that Virginia will open with a different starting quarterback.

"I've really been impressed with how he's moved the team," Mendenhall said of Benkert. "When I look at a quarterback, what I look first and foremost for is, 'Do they move the team into the end zone?' And Kurt has been the one who has consistently and can continue to be consistent in terms of moving our team regardless of the type and caliber of opponent we play. He's a good decision-maker, has a very strong arm, and he has natural leadership skills."

Kurt Benkert, a transfer from East Carolina, beat out 2015 starter Matt Johns (left) to win the quarterback battle at Virginia. Ryan M. Kelly/The Daily Progress via AP

Benkert arrived in Charlottesville as a graduate transfer after spring practice ended, but he was given every opportunity to win the starting job because Mendenhall left it open between Johns and Brewer.

Benkert is familiar with the offense, which is similar to the one he ran at East Carolina under former coach Ruffin McNeill, who is a defensive assistant on Mendenhall's staff. Benkert had been tabbed to start for East Carolina last season, but a knee injury during fall camp sidelined him for 2015.

"Kurt is a student of the game," Mendenhall said. "From the day he arrived on campus, 7 a.m. each and every day at the office much like it was a professional. ... He came here with a sense of purpose, not only to further his education but to start his family and to play great football. I'm really intrigued by the idea he has two seasons in terms of where our program currently is."