Illinois football coach Ron Zook announced Wednesday that Nathan Scheelhaase will be the Fighting Illini’s starting quarterback when the 2010 season begins, according to a press release from Assistant Athletics Director Kent Brown.

“Following spring ball, our coaching staff had some time to review the quarterback situation and felt Nathan proved himself as a leader both on and off the field,” Zook said in a press release.

A redshirt freshman from Kansas City, Scheelhaase led Rockhurst High School to a state title as a junior and was named the Kansas City Metro Player of the Year as a senior after passing for 1,726 yards and 17 touchdowns, while rushing for 864 yards and 18 scores, according to the press release.

“He showed the ability to run Coach Petrino’s offense at a high level, and we thought it was important to establish Nathan as a team leader entering summer workouts,” Zook said.