Kansas football opens practice with a healthy Ryan Willis

LAWRENCE — Kansas coach David Beaty was finally able to get a true look at his quarterback competition during Thursday’s first fall practice on the grass fields just outside Anschutz Pavilion.

That’s because sophomore Ryan Willis made his full return to drills after sitting out throwing activities in the spring with a wrist injury.

“I really like watching that kid spin it now,” Beaty said. “He’s got some talent. He’s got a long way to go, just like the rest of them, but I think those kids gravitate towards him and the rest of our quarterbacks too. They want to see who the guy is that’s going to lead them as well.”

Willis, who started the final eight games last season, is competing with junior Montell Cozart, who was the starter in 2015 before suffering a shoulder injury. Cozart, who was a team captain last year, led the team in some of its pre-practice stretches.

“He’s really got his arm strength up to where he’s comparable right there with Ryan,” Beaty said. “Those two guys can throw the ball pretty well.”

Beaty refuses to leave anyone out of the QB competition, but he admitted that Cozart and Willis should have an advantage over the other candidates based on experience.

Talented addition — Alabama receiver Daylon Charlot announced on his Twitter account Thursday afternoon that he would be transferring to KU. The 6-foot, 195-pound wideout, who was ranked Rivals.com’s 78th-best player in the class of 2015, caught two passes for nine yards as a freshman last year. Because of transfer rules, he will have to sit out this season.

This story was originally published August 4, 2016 at 8:29 PM with the headline "Kansas football opens practice with a healthy Ryan Willis."