LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas football head coach Turner Gill named sophomore Jordan Webb as the starting quarterback here Friday afternoon. Webb, who was in a battle for the top spot with senior Quinn Mecham, was the Jayhawks’ starting signal caller in seven games as a redshirt freshman.

“After evaluating our quarterback position with (Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach) Chuck (Long), we decided at this time to announce that Jordan Webb will be our starter at that position,” said Gill, who is entering his second season at the helm of the KU program. “Jordanhas shown great leadership and consistency all throughout Fall Camp. His improved quarterbacking skills put him in the position to lead our team.”

Webb earned his first career start in the second game of the 2010 season and led the Jayhawks to a win over No. 15 Georgia Tech as he was 18-of-29 for179 yardsand three TDs. He went on to start the next five games on the season before being injured in the Texas A&M game and missing three contests. Webb came off the bench againstOklahomaStateand then returned to the starting lineup in the season finale againstMissouri.

TheUnion,Mo., native, was 121-of-214 for1,195 yardsand seven TDs on the season. His 1,195 passing yards were the second most by a freshman in KU history. Webb’s best passing game of the season came in a win overNew MexicoStateas he threw for249 yards. He also threw for over200 yardsas he had228 yardspassing versusKansasState.

Additionally, Gill announced thatLongview,Texas, native Brandon Olson has joined theKansasfootball program. Olson, a 6-foot-4 tight end, arrives at KU fromLongviewHigh Schoolwhere he helped lead the Lobos to an appearance in the 2010 Texas Class 5A State semifinals and the finals in both 2008 and 2009. He will count as a member of the 2011 recruiting class.

– University of Kansas Media Relations –