Jeff Faine has come a long way since his days at Notre Dame, and in March signed the richest free agent deal for a center in NFL History. Nick Ironside speaks to Jeff regarding his pro career to date.

1. Who is the hardest defensive player you’ve faced? Why did you choose that player?

I would have to go back a few years…Bryant Young (49ers DE) in his prime was a very good defender. He has the total package - speed and power, and a bag full of tricks.

2. Was Coach Payton’s offense with the Saints complex? Why or why not?

It was complex from the standpoint of shifts and motions to hide it. When you get past the window dressing it is multiple sets for the same plays.

3. How do you plan for a defense? What are the steps you take throughout the week and what do you look for in players to determine how to play them in the game?

First you plan whether it’s a 3-4 or 4-3. Then you have to determine whether they are a blitz-happy team or not. Then you break it down even further. To players, tendencies and to what moves they have. We watch approximately 20-25 hours of tape each week. Every defense is different. Up front, it really takes the entire line to be on page to make it all happen - especially against a blitz happy team. It takes awhile to develop team chemistry, especially at this level. With all that it takes to compete at the NFL level from prep to just plan out playing, you can’t get it done by just being around each other. You have to rep it out.

4. How excited are you to play for Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden? What is his offense like from what you’ve seen and heard?

I’m very excited - he is a mastermind. It’s very similar to Coach Payton’s offense. Its pretty complex and some major variations. And he is very intense and loves football with a passion.

5. Why did you sign with Tampa Bay and not a different team? Was there more than one reason?

It’s close to home and they’re a playoff-caliber team. The money was right, and they have a young good line. I like the idea of working with a young line - they are eager to produce and make a name for themselves, and they are extremely talented.

6. What’s the hardest thing about being a center at the professional level? What did you find to be the easiest thing?

I think mental. Dealing with all the physical stuff, you either have it or you don’t … but in some of the more complex offenses you really have to have it together upstairs to be a good player. There is nothing easy in the NFL.

7. How do you see Tampa Bay doing in the draft?

I have learned not to pay attention to the draft. You never know what you are going to get out of it … even for some first round draft picks. You have to really depend on what you already have on the “shelf.”

8. How would you describe playing in the NFL for a player preparing for the draft? What advice would you give them?

Tempo: That is the hardest thing to get used to … the tempo of the game is so much faster at the NFL level. It’s a step you have to move up in with every level.

9. Which is harder to block, a 4-3 or 3-4 tackle? Why?

I don’t think one is harder than the other. I like both for different reasons. With the 3-4 at center 95 percent of the time you block the nose, but you can get more variations of blitzes from a 3-4. 4-3 at center you mostly have the middle linebacker or the nose.

10. Do you prefer a man or zone-blocking scheme?

Zone. It’s pretty much what the majority of the NFL has moved to with throwing in gap scheme plays occasionally to keep defenses honest.

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