Gill announces starting quarterback

Kansas coach Turner Gill announced on Wednesday that redshirt freshman Jordan Webb will be the starting quarterback come Saturday against Georgia Tech. Webb will replace sophomore Kale Pick.

"I just thought from the things that happened on Saturday and overall the things that were going on that [Webb] gives us the best opportunity at this point in time," Gill said. "It's not what Kale didn't do, there were things that were going on in the offensive line, receivers, penalties and dropped balls that led us to this decision."

Webb replaced Pick during the fourth quarter in last Saturday's 6-3 loss to North Dakota State. Webb said starting should help his performance.

"When you go out there in the fourth quarter, you are cold and you just warm up for a few minutes and go in," Webb said. "When you are a starter you get in the flow of the game and get your reads down."

Even after Gill named Pick the starter several weeks ago, Webb knew the competition wasn't over.

"It really motivated me," Webb said. "I mean I got beat out for a spot, if that doesn't motivate you nothing will."

While Gill said Pick could get some snaps at quarterback on Saturday, the sophomore quarterback didn't take the news lightly that he had lost his starting spot.

"He is disappointed and not happy about it, which I guess in some aspects is a good thing," Gill said about Pick. "I hope a person isn't happy when he isn't playing because that means he is a competitor. I know Kale is a competitor and he believes he can play and that he's the best guy for it."

Hatch starting

Gill also made the announcement that Jeremiah Hatch will return to the starting lineup at center. Hatch missed last week's game because of an undisclosed injury. Sal Capra, who had been playing center, will move over to offensive guard.

"Hatch was just not prepared to play the way us coaches evaluated him through the preseason camp," Gill said. "Our best people played in our first ball game. He has progressed continually in the last two and three weeks and we think he gives us the best chance to be successful."