Northcutt is finally the Wildcats' man

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Summer Wildcat Junior wide receiver Dennis Northcutt (8) runs down field far ahead of senior defensiave tackle Regan Rogers at Tuesday's scrimmage at Arizona Stadium. Northcutt, who is the No. 1 receiver on the UA team and part of the special teams, is also one of the best in the Pac-10.

Fifty eight catches, 767 yards and nine receiving touchdowns later the question isn't who is this guy is. It's more like - who is better than him?

Northcutt, a tailback turned wide receiver, hails from Los Angeles and has waited until his junior season to be the guy that causes opposing defenses to lose sleep.

"I have been waiting for my season," Northcutt said. "My main focus is to work harder and harder everyday. I have to have a better season than the last."

Northcutt had the third most receptions by a UA receiver and the 11th most yards by a Wildcat in a single season last year.

Northcutt can be described as the big weapon in the Arizona playbook with his ability to catch, run a reverse and return kicks, which he did 10 times for 230 yards in 1997.

"I think he is not only one of the best in the Pac-10, but one of the best in the nation," sophomore quarterback Ortege Jenkins said.

Northcutt had some pressure taken off of his shoulders this season with the return of Jeremy McDaniel on the other side of the field as his receiving partner, as well as the emergence of junior Brad Brennan.

"The pressure has been cut in half," Northcutt said. "I know what kind of player Jeremy is and I know he will help the team. It is a good 50 percent lift."

Northcutt does have a luxury that no one else in the Pacific 10 Conference can boast. He practices against senior Chris McAlister, one of the top cornerbacks in the nation.

"I don't think anyone is better than McAlister," he said. "I work against the best defensive back in the Pac-10, which is great because in my situation when I go up against other DBs I just think of McAlister."

Northcutt adds a new dimension to an already explosive Arizona offense with his uncanny ability to get open and make the big play.

"He is speedy, quick and he can make something out of nothing," junior quarterback Keith Smith said.

With Northcutt lingering at the wide out position, opposing coaches are going to have to focus a lot of attention his way.

"He can do something special with the ball that most people can't. O.J. and I definitely have to find a way to get it to him," Smith said. "I am so confident to have him on my team."

When asked if anyone is better in the Pac-10 than Dennis Northcutt, Jenkins replied, "Jeremy McDaniel, maybe. We have the best receiving core in the Pac-10."

Dan Rosen can be reached via e-mail at - Dan.Rosen@wildcat.arizona.edu.