Utah Utes football: Christopher receptive to change

DeVonte Christopher wants to play football.

The 2007 Nevada high school player of the year, who threw for more than 3,200 yards and 44 touchdowns as a senior, readily acknowledges how tough it was to spend his first collegiate season as a redshirt.

Watching from the sidelines isn't his style.

Although his preference is to play quarterback, Christopher was receptive to a coaching staff suggestion that he switch to wide receiver. The proposal, which included the chance for situational play at quarterback (along the lines of what Eric Weddle and Corbin Louks have done the past two years) was made earlier this week when the team returned from spring break.

"DeVonte's a team guy and he's had no problem with it," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. "He just wants to get on the field and that's a way to get him on the field faster."

The move isn't permanent at this point but will remain in place for at least the next couple of weeks.

Offensive coordinator Dave Schramm said Christopher is already making an impact in his new role. He's made several catches over the past two practices and has also fared well on special teams.

"He's so athletic," Schramm said before discussing his recent meeting with Christopher, who was competing with junior Corbin Louks, junior college transfer Terrance Cain and true freshman Jordan Wynn for the starting quarterback job.

"I posed it to him: 'You can stay and keep getting the minimal reps you're getting at quarterback or we can find a spot for you where we can get you the ball and you can help us win,'" recalled Schramm. "DeVonte's awesome. He said 'Coach, whatever I can do to help this football team win.'"

Schramm said Christopher is a great kid and a great competitor.

"We'll see how it plays out," he continued while saying that the Utes may end up with a package of plays to showcase his athleticism. "I'm not sure his days at quarterback are done."

Christopher is hoping to earn the opportunity to run a package at quarterback. The chance to do so has eased the transition.

It's not everything, however.

Whatever is best for the team, he explained, is what he's willing to do.

Christopher is eager to contribute.