Offense, offense and more offense.

Those were the main areas UA football coach Dick Tomey addressed in his off-season recruiting. Out of the 15 prep players and six junior college transfers that signed national letters of intent to Arizona yesterday, eight have the ability to play either running back or wide receiver for the Wildcats.

"This is a group that addresses many of our pressing needs, particularly with the offensive skill positions," Tomey said. "We were able to fill some holes with players who should be able to contribute immediately."

The big offensive contributions in the near future should come from Jeremy McDaniel, Fort Scott (Kan.) Community College and Leon Callen of De La Salle (Pittsburg, Calif.) High School. McDaniel (6-foot-2, 185 pounds) earned JC Gridwire second-team offensive honors as a wide receiver. Callen (5-10, 180), who gained 2049 yards and 30 touchdowns during his senior season, was named a Parade All-American.

"One goal for us was to find the best tailback we could find because last season none of our guys performed well enough to be a starter. And we think Leon was as good as anybody out there," Tomey said. "McDaniel is a terrific player and we're real excited about him. He is as good a JC guy as we have ever recruited."

But perhaps the most exciting player Arizona recruited on offense was quarterback Ortege Jenkins (6-2, 218). Jenkins, of Long Beach Jordan (Calif.) High School, was described by Tomey to be a player in the mode of Pittsburgh Steeler all-purpose player and former Colorado quarterback Kordell Stewart.

"He'll be athletic enough to play for us next season, but we'll have to see if he has the football skills needed at this level," Tomey said. "He also is planning on playing for the basketball team. And after seeing him play, I'm not sure he can't do that."

With the departure of a couple of skilled defensive players, Arizona also addressed some needs on the defensive end. Exit Tedy Bruschi and Brandon Sanders, enter Idris Haroon and Paul Shields. Haroon, a 6-2, 220 pound outside linebacker out of Hastings (Houston) High School, accumulated 87 tackles and six sacks last season and was named the 26th-best linebacker in the nation. Shields (6-2, 215), out of Scottsdale Community College, earned first-team defensive honors at free safety as well as being named one of the top 44 junior college players.

"We would use Haroon as a pass rushing end, but we will have to see how he reacts to that position. Paul will give us some size and experience in the secondary," Tomey said.

Other Wildcat recruits include running back/linebacker Portland Bates (6-2, 210), tackle David Floyd (6-4, 265), tight end Makai Freitas (6-6, 235), lineman Jason Kopydlowski (6-4, 250), lineman Bruce Wiggins (6-3, 170), JC lineman Jose Portilla (6-6, 300), JC wide receiver Joe Johnson (6-3, 215), running back Dennis Northcutt (5-11, 160), and lineman Marques McFadden (6-5, 275).

On the defensive side, Arizona received lineman Shontel Early (6-3, 235), defensive twins Branford (6-2, 220) and Stadford (6-2, 225) Glover, free safety Corey Henderson (6-0, 200), JC defensive back Chris McAlister (6-2, 185), lineman Joseph Tafoya (6-4, 220) and JC lineman Steve Tafua (6-4, 280).