Tiquan Underwood is a premiere wide receiver for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Underwood, a third-year junior, caught 62 passes this season for 1,028 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns. He also led the Scarlet Knights past the nationally-ranked University of South Florida on October 18, accumulating 114 receiving yards on 5 catches, including two touchdown receptions. Underwood and Rutgers will be taking on Ball State in the International Bowl on Saturday, January 5. Before the game, Underwood took some time to field some questions from our own Joshua Fischman.

Joshua Fischman: Talk about what you miss and do not miss about playing QB. What do you like about playing WR? What was the transformation like from QB to WR?

Tiquan Underwood: I miss being in control of the offense. When you play quarterback, the ball is always in your hands and it's your job to run the team and make sure the operation runs smoothly. I like playing WR because it's our job to make the QB look good. The transformation for me was easy because, growing up, I always played either QB or WR and both come natural to me.

JF: How does it feel to be such an important part of a high-powered offensive attack?

TU: It's pretty cool. I just try to go out every day, whether it [is] a game or practice, and get my job done.

JF: Talk about [RB] Ray Rice and how valuable he is to your team.

TU: Ray Rice is the BEST player on our team. He's the engine of the offense. Week in and week out, you can count on Ray to show up and get the job done. He's somewhat of a security blanket because you can always hang your hat on him. And what's even more impressive is that he is cool off the field; basically an all-around good guy.

JF: How good is WR Kenny Britt? What is it like having him in the receiving corps with you?

TU: Kenny Britt is a phenomenal player. The sky is the limit for the kid. He has the body of an NFL player and the ability of an NFL player and he's still learning how to play the position. It's nice having him [in] the wide receiving corps because he brings a lot of energy and always wants to make a play for his QB.

JF: Talk about the improvement of QB Mike Teel. What's it like catching passes from him?

TU: Mike is a very hard worker and our leader. I personally look up to Mike and I have followed his career since he was in high school at Don Bosco Prep. He is a great QB and leader and one of our captains. I am happy that I have another year to play with Mike.

JF: What have you heard about Ball State? How are you preparing for them?

TU: We have watched film on Ball State and they are a good team.

JF: When, and how, will you decide if you are going to enter the 2008 NFL Draft?

TU: That is not a thought for me. I am focused on getting my degree and enjoying the college experience.

JF: Who do you think deserved to win the Heisman [this season]?

TU: I thought Darren McFadden should have won it because I believe he is the BEST football player in college football. But Tim Tebow had a marvelous season and it was well deserved.

Be sure to watch Tiquan and his Scarlet Knights as they take on Ball State on Saturday, January 5 in the International Bowl. Game time is 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time. You can find coverage of the game on ESPN2.

For further coverage of NCAA sports, check out our interviews in the Davis Sports Deli Archives .