Jamar Wall is a highly regarded sophomore defensive back for the Texas Tech Red Raiders. In 2007, Wall started in 11 games for the Red Raiders, helping them to a 9-4 record and a bid to the Gator Bowl, where they will face Virginia. During the season, Wall collected 50 tackles and 5 interceptions. When he's not busy on the football field, Wall competes as part of Texas Tech's track-and-field team as a long jumper. Before the Gator Bowl, Wall fielded questions from our own Aaron Fischman.

Aaron Fischman: Talk about the Red Raider defensive unit. What is the strategy and mindset of your defense?

Jamar Wall: The unit as a whole is great. We all have the mindset to play hard every game, every play, every second. If we win the battle against the person in front of us the majority of the time, we will win the game.

AF: How have you become so accomplished in intercepting passes?

JW: My coach tells us all the time, if [you] are in the right spot good things will happen for you and that's what is happening. Then film study, knowing what my opponent will do.

AF: How did it feel to end Oklahoma's title hopes by defeating them 34-27?

JW: It's always good to end conference play with a win against a great team like OU. The only thing to do now is to run with it and prepare to get another one to finish the season.

AF: What do you expect to see from your team next year?

JW: I personally expect a lot out of us next year. We were one of the youngest teams in the nation [which] now has experience and knows how college football is. I honestly do not think we will let ourselves do anything but better.

AF: Who do you think was most deserving of the Heisman Trophy?

JW: I think that [Darren] McFadden should have won it. Nothing against the other players, because everyone had a great season, but to me McFadden did it all. [He] played everywhere on the field and he did it for two straight seasons.

AF: What can you tell us about your bowl game opponent, Virginia? What has your team done to prepare for the Gator Bowl?

JW: Virginia is a great team with great athletes and will prepare to end their season with a win, just like us. We are preparing just like we would do for any other team. The only difference is that we have more than a week to prepare. We are still working hard in practice and getting better, so we will be ready for January 1st.

Now that you've read this interview with Jamar Wall, be sure to catch Texas Tech in the Gator Bowl on January 1, 2008 on CBS at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Red Raiders will be matched against #20 Virginia.

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