Northcutt's bond with quarterback almost illegal

Chris Richards Arizona Daily Wildcat UA reciever Dennis Northcutt prepares to catch a pass in practice.

"If there was a law against spending too much time with a teammate, me and O.J. would be illegal."

With his roommate/partner-in-crime quarterback Ortege Jenkins sending some tight spirals his way, the sophomore wide receiver has proven to be a top offensive weapon for Arizona, pacing the team with 22 catches for 280 yards.

It seems that being attached at the hip has helped both players improve their game, and Dennis is quick to give advice to continue that improvement.

"If I am in the bathroom and think of something that will help, I will tell him right away," Northcutt said. "I am starting to see what we talk about happening on the field."

It showed last weekend, as Northcutt had the biggest game of his career against San Diego State, hooking up with Jenkins for six catches for 121 yards and two touchdowns.

"I think he is on his way," UA head coach Dick Tomey said. "He is seeing things better. You experience more things.

"You see coverage better, you see how to run your route better to get open, how to free yourself up in coverage, how to get off press coverage. And that all boils down to being able to catch everything."

For Northcutt, the biggest difference he sees in himself from last year to this year is his experience and being more comfortable at the position.

Last year, his true freshman season, Northcutt did not get a chance to get familiar with any one position. He split his time at tailback, cornerback, and wide receiver.

He was able to find the end zone twice, once after an interception and the other on a reception, but he wasn't a big part of either unit.

Northcutt said he kind of misses those days, at least the variety part.

"I liked being moved around," Northcutt said. "I would rather play a lot of positions. If you can do it, why not? But, I am happy where I am at now."

With his background at the various positions, Northcutt is now applying them to playing wide receiver.

"When I line up, I stare down the DB," Northcutt said. "I try to figure out how he is going to play me."

Besides getting into the defense's head, his tailback experience has helped in running after making the catch.

"Everybody is looking for receivers like that," Tomey said. "Ones that once they make a catch they can run with the ball. Dennis has some of that in him."

"Dennis is exceptional," Jenkins said. "I could give him the ball on a twenty-yard pass and he can turn it into something more."

The Northcutt-Jenkins combination could prove to be a true asset to the Wildcats this season and in the future. That is, if they don't get busted for being together too much.