A little over six weeks ago, reports surfaced that Jake Heaps would be transferring from Kansas. The Jayhawks denied the initial reports, and head coach Charlie Weis got miffed when asked about Heaps’ status two weeks later.
Now, however, there’s some clarity to the situation.
In a release this evening, KU confirmed that Heaps is one of two seniors who have decided to pursue other opportunities. The other is wide receiver Andrew Turzilli.
Both players have graduated and will be eligible to play immediately this season if they remain at the FBS level.
Regardless of where Heaps lands -- speculation has run the gamut from Boise State to Hawaii to SMU to Fresno State to Utah State -- it will be the third stop of his collegiate career.
In December of 2011, it was reported that Heaps would be transferring from BYU to Kansas. After sitting out the 2012 season to satisfy NCAA transfer rules, Heaps started nine games for the Jayhawks in 2013. During that lone season on the field in Lawrence, Heaps completed just 49 percent of his passes and tossed 10 interceptions versus eight touchdowns.
Reports that Heaps would be leaving Lawrence came two weeks after Montell Cozart was tabbed by head coach Charlie Weis as the Jayhawks’ starter.
Heaps was a four-star member of the Cougars’ 2010 recruiting class and the No. 1 pro-style QB in the country according to Rivals.com.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity given to me by Coach Weis to play football and earn my college degree at the University of Kansas,” said Heaps in a statement. “My wife and I have truly enjoyed being part of the Jayhawk community. We have made lifelong friends through this experience and we will always consider ourselves Jayhawks.”
Turzilli, a three-star member of KU’s 2010 recruiting class, started seven of the 24 games in which he played for the Jayhawks. He finishes the KU portion of his career with 27 receptions for 491 yards and two touchdowns.”
“Andrew, who graduated in May, and Jake, who will graduate at the end of June, have decided to explore other opportunities,” said Weis. “I’m proud that both of these young men leave Kansas as graduates. I would like to thank them for their contributions to KU football and wish them the best.”
In addition to Heaps and Turzilli, KU also announced that running back Darrian Miller was leaving for “personal reasons.” Miller’s departure is actually a bit of a blow as he finished second on the team in rushing in 2011 and 2013 -- his official bio states he took classes, but did not play in any games in 2012 -- with 599 and 322 yards, respectively.