COURTESY ARIZONA ATHLETICS Arizona linebacker Marcus Smith attempts to tackle former Cal quarterback Kyle Boller during Arizona's lone Pac-10 victory last season in Berkeley.

For the first eight games of the 2003 season, sophomore linebacker Marcus Smith has been playing with virtually one hand.

Smith was wearing a large wrap on his left hand to protect a broken wrist and had little, if any, gripping ability to try and control offensive linemen.

"I know it was frustrating to him, because he'd have good position on the blocker, but when you can't use your hand, it's hard," said interim head coach Mike Hankwitz.

Smith had just 22 tackles and one sack in the Wildcats' first eight games, but got the wrap removed right before Arizona's game at Oregon State.

He responded to his new ability with a sack in the Arizona loss.

Smith then made a big impact in the team's first Pacific 10 Conference win of the season when he had a career-high eight tackles, including three for losses, and two sacks against Washington on Saturday.

"He came out and could use his hands," Hankwitz said. "He's really starting to improve and play like we knew he could. It's hard to do with just that one hand."

Smith made two big plays on third downs in the Wildcats' 27-22 win, forcing the Huskies to punt on both occasions.

Late in the third quarter, Smith sacked Washington quarterback Cody Pickett for a four-yard loss on a third-and-five play from the Washington 46.

He also made a big tackle two yards behind the line on a Washington running back on third-and-short early in the fourth quarter.

Smith said the removal of the wrap has made it much easier for him to get separation from the offensive player in front of him, get off the blocker and make plays.

Smith is listed as a linebacker, but typically plays at the defensive end position.

He began his UA career at defensive end and recorded 16 tackles in nine games, including 1.5 sacks.

Smith moved to outside linebacker during spring practice, but moved back onto the defensive line because of the scheme change that accompanied the hiring of Hankwitz as defensive coordinator. He said the transition from defensive end to linebacker and back was an easy one because of the familiarity of the position.

"I'm more used to the game all around," Smith said. "It's not as much of a challenge for me to take care of."

"He is getting better and better," Hankwitz added.

The Wildcats will need production similar to what Smith and the rest of the defensive line showed against Washington if the team hopes to be successful against No. 2 Southern California Saturday afternoon at Arizona Stadium.

The Arizona defensive line produced four sacks last week and kept Pickett under pressure most of the game.

"It all starts up front. If we play well on the defensive line, it makes it easier on everyone else," Smith said.

This will be no easy task for the Wildcats, who face the Pac-10's top offensive line in the Trojans. USC has only given up 11 sacks on the season, and the team uses quick passes to get rid of the ball as fast as possible.