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DeVonte Christopher hasn't had much work in fall camp, thanks to a shoulder injury that sidelined him early and kept him out of live work when he did return.

But if there is one guy among the receivers the Utes aren't worried about, it's Christopher.

He has evolved from a quarterback-turned-receiver into the Utes' big playmaker. He led the Utes the last two years in receptions and finished 10th in the Pac-12 in yards per game (60.3) last year.

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said he isn't worried that Christopher wasn't able to go full speed in camp early.

"He is very smart and understands all the receivers positions," he said.

Christopher isn't worried, either, saying he has had little trouble adjusting to Brian Johnson's offense.

"I'm still going to be playing all my usual roles," he said.

The all-conference candidate hopes to go out with another big year, but the first order of business is getting his shoulder healthy and helping the newcomers along.

Whittingham said Christopher played a key role during the summer in helping the new receivers understand Utah's scheme, and he is continuing to help out the other players in camp.

"Camp is hard and you want to make sure you keep the young guys into it physically and mentally," Christopher said. "Your job is to go out and compete hard every day and play hard every day and keep pushing the young guys."

Time off

Quarterback Jordan Wynn sat out Thursday's practice because of a sore shoulder, according to Whittingham.

Whittingham said the decision to hold Wynn out was just precautionary.

"He should be fine," he said. "The silver lining is it let some of the other guys get some reps."

Of the backups, veteran Jon Hays looked the strongest in the live work. He completed passes of 35 and 20 yards to Luke Matthews and Dres Anderson. He was also picked off by safety Tyron Morris-Edwards.

Wynn had plenty of company in the pit, with offensive linemen Daniel Kristensen, Miles Mason and Sam Brenner sitting out of practice. Others were corner Tyler White and safety Quade Chappuis.

Whittingham said none of the injuries were serious.

"We lost five or six guys in the first 30 minutes of practice," he said. "It's getting to be that point in camp where things accumulate."

New spot

Players aren't the only ones adjusting to some new positions. Jay Hill is in his eighth year with the Utes but has some new duties this year since he is serving as the running backs coach.

Hill, who has served as the special teams coordinator since he was hired in 2005, also coached the cornerbacks (2005-06 and 2010-11) and tight ends (2007-09).

He was appointed the running backs coach this year to replace Dave Schramm, who left the Utes to join the Fresno State staff.

"It's a fun change to be back on offense," he said. "It's kind of like getting a new job without having to go anywhere."

Hill said he coached long enough with Schramm he feels confident in his new role.

"I picked up a lot from him, we had a great flow and I think I can keep it going," he said.

It helps of course that he has several talented backs with which to work.

"We've got several quality backs and they should be able to lighten the load for John White," he said.