Better with agent

Faine discusses agents' involvement in pre-draft process

This is the third in a series as SI.com follows Notre Dame center Jeff Faine in the weeks leading up to the 2003 NFL Draft in April.

By David Clark, SI.com

It's been a hectic couple of weeks for Jeff Faine in anticipation of his March 19 workout at Notre Dame's Pro Day.

"[I'm] just working with my strength coach, working on drills ... improving with the rehab on my knee," Faine said.

"And going through midterms."

Faine says he considered the NFL Scouting Combine "a really enjoyable experience."

"I got pretty good positive feedback within the meetings. ... I was real comfortable with how I felt."

Faine met formally with 28 teams in Indianapolis. "And teams I didn't meet with I talked to throughout the day, in between medical exams."

But Faine, who took out an insurance policy before his senior year at Notre Dame, was one of many Combine invitees who opted not to do workout drills. Faine says he reached a "mutual decision" with his agent.

And one other thing ... Jeff was asked which current or former Notre Dame player he admires the most? His response: "I think it'd have to be Aaron Taylor [who announced his retirement from the NFL in 2000 after several seasons as a guard/tackle with the Chargers and Packers]. He really came here -- grew up in Oakland and, from what I heard, had a difficult childhood -- and made the best of what he had. He had a 3.0 [GPA], was an All-American and Lombardi winner [in 1993]. And he became a pretty good player in the NFL. From where he came, he made the best of the opportunity." A memorable first impression took place during Notre Dame's 44-13 loss at USC Nov. 30. "It was hostile out there, a bad atmosphere to have a first meeting, to meet a person you've been wanting to meet for four years. ... Everyone says I kind of look like him. And I actually do, when I saw him. He seems like a really great guy. I'll hopefully get to know him a little better some other time."

"I just had my knee scoped in January. [SFX Sports Group's Ben Dogra] suggested that working out at the Combine might be rushing it a little bit, and I thought so, too.

"For me, it's about getting the knee and leg back into shape. I didn't feel comfortable performing at the high level needed to perform at the Combine."

Faine couldn't be happier about his agents' involvement so far. He talks to Dogra or one of his St. Louis-based associates on a regular basis, "if anything just to say hi, make sure everything’s going smooth."

SFX, which represents some 45 NFL clients -- including centers Damien Woody of the Patriots and Jeff Hartings of the Steelers -- flew Jeff to the Senior Bowl to, in Faine's words, "meet some people and shake some hands."

SFX also arranged for Faine's February trip to Pittsburgh to work with Tunch Ilkin, who Faine regards as a "pass-protection guru." And during Notre Dame's recent Spring Break, a return trip to Pittsburgh was scheduled for more work with Ilkin as well as strength and conditioning training.

"They handle all that. Everything like that they set up," Faine says. "They've really taken care of me, done a great job. ... I'm extremely excited about the relationship."

"They advise me all the time. My starter wasn't working in my car. They helped me through the process of getting that fixed, put me in touch with people to talk to. ... They're there for me, really to do anything. They're almost like a point man for me to help me and get things done ... in everyday life and in the big things."

Faine is relieved to have settled with Dogra and SFX, in addition to a separate financial advisor. He certainly had his fair share of suitors looking to represent him.

"If I had to guess, I'd probably say 40. ... It was like getting recruited for college all over again. Everyone’s trying to be your best friend, trying to win your business."

Faine says he made an effort to direct those who contacted him toward his parents.

"My parents did a great job with it. They met with a lot more people than I did. ... I did talk to some people. Usually the first time, I'd let them sell themselves to me. At the end, I'd ask them to contact [my parents] throughout the process."

In the end, Faine met with five groups. "I made my decision from there."

And some were better than others at taking no for an answer.

"There was one guy. I think he was almost like a sore loser. He really had a hard time ... wanted to know why I wouldn't meet with him."

But Faine says he understood where he was coming from.

"I can kind of respect that. He was really trying to win, and earn my business. ... Although it did get to the point where it got a little annoying."

Faine believes he's learned a lot as far as who he can trust.

"But I'm sure there's still lessons to be learned."

 

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