Wildcats on lookout for Iowa's DeVries

Unfortunately for Keith Smith and Ortege Jenkins, they have the duty of seeing his growling face on every down tomorrow night.

"He'll be coming right up the gut," Smith said. "He's definitely the guy they want up the middle putting pressure on me and O.J."

The Iowa senior has earned All-American honors for the past two years at the defensive line position. Against Iowa State last weekend, he surpassed the 200 career tackle mark.

DeVries holds Hawkeye records for tackles for loss (60), quarterback sack yardage (254), tackle for loss yardage (318) and he shares the quarterback sack record with 33.

"The pros say that Jared DeVries is the best defensive lineman in the nation," UA head coach Dick Tomey said. "He is very quick. That is what sets him apart from other defensive linemen and that is also what the pros like."

DeVries, who entered Iowa as a redshirt freshman running back in 1995, has transformed himself into a big defensive lineman who controls the opposing offensive line with his strength.

"I saw him get double-teamed a lot," Smith said. "They would have two guys on him but he wouldn't move. They'd just stack him up at the line and never push him back."

Like all other human beings, DeVries does get hurt and sore. Injuries from cramps and dehydration have plagued him; so far this season he has only been able to accumulate seven tackles with two for a loss.

"Jared has been hurt. When you don't practice much during the week, you don't play well on Saturday," Iowa head coach Hayden Fry said. "He is suffering from cramps and is having a tough time playing in the heat and humidity, as are the other guys."

No matter how you shake it, DeVries is going to be a main target for the offensive line, especially Arizona's Yusuf Scott, who has the assignment of sticking with him all day long.

The one thing the Wildcats can hope for is that the desert heat will take its toll on DeVries.

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