LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) – Montell Cozart will be under center for new Kansas coach David Beaty when the Jayhawks begin their season Sept. 5 against South Dakota State.

Beaty announced Monday that the junior had won the competition for starting quarterback.

Beaty said, “He is a very bright, hard-working, smart dude.

“He’s what you want. I love the dude that he is. Our team loves him.”

Cozart started three games as a freshman in 2013 and the first five games last season before Michael Cummings took over. But when Cummings sustained a season-ending left knee injury in the spring game, it appeared the job would be Cozart’s to lose.

Still, Beaty made him earn it in a competition with talented junior college transfer Deondre Ford and a pair of freshmen, Ryan Willis and Carter Stanley.