Zach Dyer is the man … at least for now.

Kansas football coach Mark Mangino said at a news conference Tuesday that Dyer was the Jayhawks’ clear-cut No. 1 quarterback heading into Friday night’s spring game at Memorial Stadium.

6Sports video:Pre-Spring Game press conf.

Of course, it’s a long time until the Jayhawks’ Aug. 31 season opener at Iowa State.

“I don’t look for that issue to be settled until fall, and that’s fine,” Mangino said of Dyer’s battle with fellow junior Bill Whittemore.

Dyer has been taking a lot of snaps in the Jayhawks’ practices because Whittemore has been hampered by a sore arm.

“Zach, right now, has taken more reps,” Mangino said. “He’s out front. There’s no question.

“Bill’s arm is a little bit fatigued. We’ll be careful with his repetitions in the spring game. We want to make sure he’s 100 percent or pretty close to it. If not, we’ll keep his reps down.”

Whittemore’s sophomore season at Fort Scott Community College was abbreviated to eight games by a separated throwing shoulder, but he still threw for 2,082 yards and 16 touchdowns. Whittemore (6-foot-1, 190 pounds) was expected to compete for the starting job with Dyer, who shared time with Mario Kinsey last fall.

Dyer (6-3, 205) completed 43 of 89 passes for 460 yards with three touchdowns and four interceptions as a sophomore.

The Jayhawks have seen a different Dyer this spring.

Kansas University football coach Mark Mangino answers questions from the media during his press conference Tuesday at Hadl Auditorium.

“The way Zach looks … he came into spring real motivated,” senior receiver Harrison Hill said. “I think there’s been talk in the past of him moving positions to defense, things like that. I think it motivated Zach to work hard, to come in the spring with the attitude that it’s his job. He wants it.”

Hill also said that Dyer’s arm looked stronger than it did last season. The quarterback said he didn’t know if his arm was stronger, but he is playing with more poise.

“My confidence has gone up because I feel more comfortable with what we’re doing and what I’m doing out there,” the former Olathe South standout said. “I think getting more reps helps you feel more comfortable with what you’re doing and understanding the schemes.”

Mangino didn’t coach Dyer last season, but the first-year coach knows the quarterback has improved.

“Zach is having a very good spring,” Mangino said. “In past, I’d been told and observed on video tape, that when he made a bad play he had had trouble getting over the bad play. We have a an old saying as coaches that the most important play is the next play. He has learned that if you make a bad play to just get back in the huddle, clap your hands and get your group together and go out and make a play. He has shown the he can overcome a bad play, and I’m impressed with that.

“He’s throwing the ball very well. He’s taken command of our offense. He’s shown leadership qualities. I’m really pleased with all that he’s done. He’s certainly not a finished product, but he’s well on his way to becoming a fine quarterback for us.”

Kansas fans can judge for themselves when the spring game kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Memorial Stadium. There is no charge for admission.

Mangino said the Jayhawks will announce their team captains, as selected by the players, prior to kickoff. At halftime, KU will unveil its new uniforms on the Megavision video board.

“I think everyone’s ready to go out and play in front of fans for a change under the lights,” Dyer said. “It’s usually a pretty good time.”