Brad Lester is a junior running back for the Auburn Tigers of the SEC. Despite an injury which kept him sidelined for six games, Lester still accumulated 530 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns this season on only 125 carries. This is particularly impressive because the 5'11, 194 lb back shares carries with two other Tiger RBs. Speaking of sharing, Lester also shares his number (1) with Auburn's kicker, Zach Kutch. Lester's Auburn Tigers will soon square off against Clemson in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. Before the game, The Deli's Aaron Fischman caught up with Lester for this interview. We hope you enjoy it.

Aaron Fischman: Who do you think was most deserving of the Heisman Trophy [this season]?

Brad Lester: I think that [Tim] Tebow had a great year and deserved to win the trophy this year.

AF: Since starting the season 1-2, Auburn has won seven of its last nine games. How have you guys turned it around?

BL: I felt that when I came back, late in the season, it made an impact and gave the motivation. [We have] just been working hard from there.

AF: How frustrating was it to miss the first five games of the season? How does it feel to be back on the field, helping your team win?

BL: Life is about adversity and it takes a real man to be able to go through [injury]. [I] felt that I [could] deal with it and bounce back to be a student-athlete.

AF: In the Florida game, Tim Tebow scored 2 fourth quarter touchdowns to tie the game at 17. But you guys still found a way to win. What does that say about your team?

BL: I mean, we just fight hard all game and try to do whatever it takes to win.

AF: How big was the win against the fourth-ranked Florida Gators, on the road?

BL: It made a huge difference and gave us motivation.

AF: What are the benefits and drawbacks to playing in the tough SEC?

BL: It's a benefit because scouts like to get players from [the] SEC and it's a fun conference.

AF: Talk about the running trio your team uses. What are the differences in running style and ability between Ben Tate, Mario Fannin and yourself?

BL: Ben is a power back, Mario is more [of] a power back and [I] feel like I bring speed and power when I run.

AF: How close did you guys come to beating LSU?

BL: It [came] down to the end, like we thought it would be. Sometimes things happen.

AF: What can you tell us about your bowl opponent, Clemson? What has your team done to prepare for the Chick-fil-A Bowl?

BL: Clemson is a great team and we are working hard to beat them. We [have] been practicing long hours.

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