Kansas has its starting quarterback. And, the Jayhawks are hoping, their quarterback of the future, too.

Coach Charlie Weis announced Thursday that sophomore Montell Cozart would be Kansas' starter going forward after beating out senior Jake Heaps and UCLA transfer T.J. Millweard.

Montell Cozart made several plays with his legs and showed poise in the pocket in Kansas' spring game. AP Photo/Orlin Wagner

Cozart started three games and appeared in four others last season as a true freshman. He completed only 37 percent of his passes but jump-started the offense with his legs, rushing for 193 yards during a four-game stretch in November.

He also clearly outplayed Heaps and Millweard in Kansas' spring game Saturday to end the competition. He completed six of 10 passes for 58 yards and ran for 70 yards and two touchdowns on just seven carries, while the other two quarterbacks struggled to move the offense.

Quarterback play has been a major issue in recent years for the Jayhawks, who have only one Big 12 win since the 2010 season. Kansas has opened the past five seasons with a different starter at quarterback each time, including Heaps last year.

The Jayhawks open with Southeast Missouri State on Sept. 6.