DeJuan Gossett on the Bearcats
Former Bearcat star of the secondary DeJuan Gossett took the time to answer a couple of my questions earlier. His credentials are as such, multiple time All Conference USA selection, in the top 10 of solo tackles in UC history, and one of the top tacklers in Bearcat history. I asked him about Travis Prentice, the Keg of Nails, the Victory Bell, preparation against up and down QBs and much more. Let's let it rip.
BB: What things stood out for you positively on Friday night (vs Louisville)?
DG: The offense is getting multi-dimensional and the offensive line looked improved. They are getting big plays and Collaros is getting rid of the ball. Didn't take those drive killing sacks. The defense is growing and coming along but they are young. I think they will have some good days and bad ones. The main thing they need to do is tackle better.
BB: The UC coaches have said they aren't worried about the run defense. Should they be?
DG: I would if they don't get better tackling. They weren't bad until Friday, but it has to be a emphasis when you let a guy run wild like that. I think they will be much improved this week in regards to settling down and lowering the pads.
BB: UC just played their two biggest rivals, Miami and Louisville. You were on the winning side and the losing side (unfortunately) of both of those. Was there one game that meant more to the team? One loss that hurt more?
DG: Well I unfortunately had some thumpings at the hands of Louisville in my day that still leave a taste in my mouth. We heard that siren for a week. In 2000, we thumped Miami at home and I dont think we have lost many in that rivalry since then except when Ben was there. It was good to play those things but the best thing about playing Miami was the scenery on that campus. I hope they develop into a better team or it really could lose the luster of that game if it isnt already gone.
BB: UC plays South Florida this week. Their QB BJ Daniels has been quite erratic lately, but has loads of talent. Do players think about things like "This guy has been bad, we are going to shut him down, and I'm going to pick him off?" Or do you just ignore the numbers completely?
DG: You look at as if you are going to get the best of BJ and what that does is help you prepare to your fullest potential. If you get the bad BJ you have prepared yourself to where you can take advantage of mistakes and help your ball club. You always expect to get the best punch from your opponent.
BB: Speaking of Miami, you played against Travis Prentice. Was he actually good? I mean his numbers were really great, but was he the product of the system, or was he the truth?
DG: Ouch, put me on the spot. Honestly I didn't find him to be the scariest running back I faced in college and I remember we shut him down pretty good a couple of times. I'm going to have to go with someone calling the right plays and maybe Alex Sulfsted anchoring that offensive line during his time there.
