Utah football: Chances of Hansen playing this season are doubtful

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said he is waiting until Monday to make a final decision on Chase Hansen's future, but it doesn't sound good for the former Lone Peak High star.

Hansen hasn't practiced with the Utes due to a sore shoulder and judging by Whittingham's demeanor Saturday, it's unlikely the quarterback will play for the Utes this year.

"It's not looking good," Whittingham said, "but we'll have a definitive answer this Monday."

Hansen, a Parade All-American in high school, had a good spring with the Utes and planned to compete for a backup role this year before leaving on a mission this winter.

However a lingering shoulder problem has put his 2012 season in jeopardy. Whittingham said he wanted to make a decision sooner rather than later so Hansen could complete his rehabilitation before he goes on a mission if his shoulder requires surgery.

"There is a time crunch," Whittingham said.

Under pressure

The Utes put their kickers to the test on Saturday with both Nick Marsh and Coleman Petersen being called upon to make a series of kicks. When they missed, their teammates had to run.

"They need to feel pressure, and we wanted to expose them to as much as we can," Whittingham said. "They handled it pretty good. I thought there were some they could have handled better, but they handled the vast majority for us."

Already ahead

Adjusting to the changes Brian Johnson has made in Utah's offense hasn't taken the Utes long, Utah quarterback Jordan Wynn said. If anything, the Utes are ahead of where they were last year thanks to the work the Utes put in during the summer.

"We're not making very many mental mistakes out there, and that is what you want," he said.

Whittingham said it was crucial the Utes work together in the summer as they did, particularly so the new players would know the system once practice started.

"In this day and age, you have to be fast," he said. "Practices are limited. Way back 20 years ago you had more time with the players, and so now you have to make the most of the time they have on their own to get up to speed."

2013 addition

The Utes added a receiver for their 2013 class with the commitment from X'avier Shepherd, a 5-foot-11, 175-pounder out of Lakewood High School in Lakewood, Calif.

Arizona, Cal and UCLA were among the schools Shepherd was considering. He is the 12th player the Utes have in their 2013 class and is the first receiver to commit.

Injury report

Tight end Westlee Tonga, receiver Delshawn McClellon and defensive end Joe Kruger all missed part of Saturday's practice, but Whittingham said all the injuries are minor and none is expected to miss an extensive amount of practice time. Also sitting out was senior receiver DeVonte Christopher, who is expected back on the field on Monday.