DAVE SKRETTA
AP Sports Writer
LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Another highly touted transfer has fizzled out as the Kansas starting quarterback.
Former five-star prospect Jake Heaps, who was heralded by coach Charlie Weis after his arrival from BYU, said in a statement issued by the school Friday that he’d be leaving the program when he finishes his degree requirements at the end of the month.
Wide receiver Andrew Turzilli, who graduated in May, also said that he is leaving the program, while running back Darrian Miller has left for what Weis called “personal reasons.”
Heaps was considered one of the nation’s top prep quarterbacks coming out of Washington’s Skyline High School. He ended up at BYU and set several freshman passing records, but eventually lost his starting job and decided to transfer to Kansas.
But like former Notre Dame quarterback Dayne Crist, who also lost his starting job after joining the Jayhawks, Heaps was eventually passed over as the starter by freshman Montell Cozart.
Heaps only completed 49 percent of his passes for 1,414 yards with eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions as the Jayhawks struggled to a 3-9 finish last season.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity given to me by Coach Weis to play football and earn my college degree,” Heaps said. “My wife and I have truly enjoyed being part of the Jayhawk community. We have made lifelong friends through this experience.”
It’s unclear whether Heaps intends to play elsewhere next season. As a graduate transfer, Heaps would be eligible to play immediately.
The same is true for Turzilli, who was expected to provide some depth in a wide receiving corps that struggled all of last season. Turzilli started seven of the 24 games he played over the course of three seasons, catching 27 passes for 491 yards and two touchdowns.
“I am extremely proud to have earned my degree,” Turzilli said. “I am thankful for all of the relationships I have made during my time at Kansas and I wish the entire program nothing but the best in the future.”
Miller was expected to compete for playing time at running back next season. The former top prospect was recruited by former coach Turner Gill and dismissed from the program by Weis shortly after he took over. Miller spent a year in junior college before returning last season.
Still, Miller missed part of the season for what Weis would only call “personal reasons,” and it was unclear where he stood in the program entering fall camp.
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