On Saturday, December 22 the Cincinnati Bearcats will square off against Southern Mississippi
at the Papa John's.com Bowl in Birmingham, Alabama. Before the game, the Deli's Paul Topchyan took a few moments to correspond with junior wide receiver Dominick Goodman of Cincinnati. Goodman led the Bearcats in receptions this year, with 61, and accumulated a total of 774 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns. In this interview, Goodman addresses the success of Bearcats QB Ben Mauk, his impression of freshman WR Marcus Bennett and voices his opinion about this year's Heisman Trophy selection.

Paul Topchyan : How good has Ben Mauk been at QB for this team? What is it like catching passes from him?

Dominick Goodman : He's been real good for us, playing QB. He has a soft touch on the ball and he puts it on the money.

PT: Talk about your fellow WR, Marcus Barnett, and what he has accomplished as a freshman.

DG: Marcus is a great guy. He has done a lot as a freshman [60 rec, 845 yards receiving, 13 TD] and done a lot for this team. [He has] great years ahead.

PT: Who do you think is most deserving to win the Heisman Trophy?

DG: I think [Darren] McFadden is most deserving.

PT: What does being an integral part of a high-powered offense mean to you?

DG: It means a lot. It gives me a chance to make plays and a lot of chances to touch the ball.

PT: What have you heard about Southern Mississippi? How are you preparing for them?

DG: I heard they are a great team with 6 All-Conference players. Especially their defense. We prepare for them like any other team. Practice hard and watch film.

PT: How does your defense plan to slow down Southern Miss' star running back Damion Fletcher?

DG: Just go out there, play hard [and] bring all hard hats to the football.

PT: Dare to make a guarantee or a prediction for the bowl game?

DG: It's going to be [a] good game to play in and for people to watch.

PT: How and when are you going to decide if you will declare for the 2008 NFL Draft?

DG: I'm declaring for the NFL next year.

PT: I want to know what it was like for you, winning the MVP at the International Bowl last season.

DG: It was a good feeling. It gave me a chance to make a name [for myself] with the new coaching staff and people keeping up with the team.