Charles Gordon fielded a few punts during Monday’s football practice at Kansas University, but the sophomore, who led KU in receptions last year, devoted most of his workout to the secondary for the third straight day.

If Gordon stays at cornerback, the Jayhawks’ offense would be lacking one of its biggest playmakers.

A starter moving from defense to offense could help fill the void. Former safety Jonathan Lamb looked comfortable in his new role at receiver.

“He’s such a smart guy,” Mangino said of the sophomore. “He picks up the system very well. He’s a great athlete. You could see that just by watching him today. He has very good hands.”

Those sure hands also will come in handy on special teams, where the Olathe North graduate likely will serve as KU’s holder. Lamb also was returning punts along with Gordon and junior receiver Mark Simmons.

Lamb started all 13 games last season at free safety and ranked among the nation’s top-five freshmen with 89 tackles. All that hitting took a toll, however, and Lamb was moved to receiver because of a chronic injury.

Without Gordon, veterans Mark Simmons and Brandon Rideau are KU’s proven playmakers at the position.

“We feel a little bit of pressure,” said Rideau, who caught 51 passes for 677 yards as a junior. “We have to step up and improve our game that much. We’re not going to lose a step. We’ll put another guy in to replace him and keep going.”

Moderick Johnson’s chances of being that guy looked slim Monday. The sophomore clearly was in Mangino’s doghouse.

“Moderick has a lot of work to do in a lot of areas,” Mangino said. “He’ll have to catch up if he can.”

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Quarterback shuffle: Sophomore Adam Barmann took most of the snaps with the No. 1 offense. Junior Brian Luke also saw plenty of action, while junior-college transfer Jason Swanson took relatively few snaps.

“Brian Luke has a better grasp of things right now, so he got more reps,” Mangino said. “Brian’s doing what we thought he could do. Jason has to get the feel for our offense, learn it and be confident in it.”

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Keith watch: Minnesota West Community College transfer Charlton Keith watched Monday’s practice from the sideline. The junior defensive end still is waiting for the results of summer-school classes, which will determine his eligibility.

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Spell check: KU has corrected the spelling of Tyler (Texas) Junior College transfer Jermial Ashley on its 2004 roster. The defensive end’s name had appeared as Jermail in the spring.

Ashley was playing with the first-string line Monday with senior end David McMillan, senior tackle Travis Watkins and sophomore tackle Chris Brant. Freshman Todd Haselhorst also was working at tackle.

Freshmen tackle James McClinton and end Anthony Collins took plenty of reps with the second team, along with senior end Greg Tyree and junior tackle Tim Allen.

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Notes: KU’s media day is Wednesday afternoon at Memorial Stadium. … Kids Day is Sunday on the practice field behind Anschutz Pavilion. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. … The Jayhawks will have their first day of two-a-day practices Thursday. … KU’s next open practice is scheduled for Aug. 20.