Practice makes perfect, says Northcutt

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Daily Wildcat UA junior wide receiver Dennis Northcutt (8) finds a hole in the defense and takes the ball up field during a UA scrimmage early in the season. Northcutt had five receptions for 157 yards, as well as three punt returns for 24 yards, in Saturday's home game against Iowa.

"For 25 to 40 minutes after practice, everyday, I stay after and catch everything that comes at me," Northcutt said as he began his personal practice Monday night. "I catch all the balls, all types of throws, punts and kickoffs."

The extra practice shows when Northcutt is on the field. In Saturday's win against Iowa, Northcutt had five receptions for 157 yards as well as three punt returns for 24 yards.

"Dennis is definitely a creator. He makes something out of nothing," junior quarterback Keith Smith said. "He has an ability that a lot of players don't have. And he's worked hard to get that ability."

Northcutt began his career at UA in 1996 after being recruited from Los Angeles. He said his final decision came down to Southern Cal or the Wildcats.

"I knew I needed to go to the school that fit me, the school that felt like home," Northcutt said.

He added that it was the atmosphere of the comfortable recruiting trips, the players and coaches that helped him know the UA "fit" him. His love for campus scenery was also a factor, Northcutt said.

The Wildcats face San Diego State on the road this evening at 5 with the Aztecs expected to key on Northcutt all game.

"I have friends on the team," Northcutt said. "And they told me they're working extra hard to 'not let Dennis get anything.' They said they'll make me work for this even if it means banging me up a bit."

Another reason for the Aztecs to try to take Northcutt out of the game is his performance against them last year. He had six receptions for 121 yards and two touchdowns, including his longest reception of the '97 season in the game for 56 yards.

Thanks to Northcutt, the Wildcats sent the Aztecs home with a 31-28 defeat.

"Dennis just makes it happen after the catch," sophomore quarterback Ortege Jenkins said of his teammate and roommate.

Although Northcutt knows the Aztecs will have him under tight coverage, he doesn't seemed to be too worried.

"I'm not letting the outside get to me," he said. "I need to stay working hard and stay focused if I'm going to make things happen. And if they double team me and take me out of the game, well that's fine because there's a lot more they need to worry about, too. We have a team that will make it happen. We have (Jeremy) McDaniel, (Brandon) Nash, Keith and O.J."

Northcutt emphasized the team really has it together when it comes to getting the job done. When one player drops off, there's always another person ready to step up his game, Northcutt said.

The Wildcats will have a chance to step up tonight and put their teamwork together to bring home another victory to add to their 3-0 record.

"I know I am ready for the game," Northcutt said. "I know all the plays and I've already began focusing on the game. So now let's go out and do what we need to do and have some fun."

Kate Longworth can be reached via e-mail at Kate.Longworth@wildcat.arizona.edu.