The waiting game

Faine ready for just about anything to happen

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

By David Clark, SI.com

Many will spend this weekend parked in front of the tube partaking of a smorgasbord of food. As he prepares to fly home Thursday evening, Jeff Faine looks forward to much of the same.

"We're doing barbeque and that's about it. I'll just be with my parents. ... I didn't really want a big thing at my house. [I'd rather] just relax and enjoy it [before] getting back to South Bend," he said.

Faine spent the past weekend in the Golden State. But he wasn't visiting any of the three California-based NFL teams. After a week of working hard to stay in shape for minicamps and summer camp as well as focusing on academics, Faine enjoyed a weekend getaway with friends. "It was pretty much just for pleasure," he said.

And one other thing ... Jeff was asked when he last played any position other than center? His response: "In a game, it would be my senior year in high school. I played tackle throughout high school. And I've practiced playing guard throughout my career. My freshman year [at Notre Dame], I was the No. 1 backup to all three positions. Is there a chance he'd play another position in the NFL? "I know there are quite a few teams looking at me as a guard, [which is] a very good possibility. I really just want to get on the field any way I can." When was the last time Faine didn’t line up in the trenches? "Playing catch on the street pretty much. I ran the ball once in a game in high school, my senior year. I've been in the trenches pretty much my whole career."

Faine raved about his recent trip to Tennessee -- the only team visit he's made. It was a valuable opportunity for the Golden Domer to observe the Titans' system and check out the team's facilities. He also became better acquainted with Jeff Fisher's coaching staff.

"I had a great time out there."

Faine also caught up with former teammate Rocky Boiman, a linebacker entering his second season with the Titans.

"It was great to see him. I hadn't seen him for about a year."

Faine has found school doesn't take a break for pre-draft goings-on. "It's been pretty low key this past week. It came at a great time though because I had a lot of projects and papers to do," he said.

The Cowboys and Panthers are among several teams who have been in touch with Jeff in recent days.

"It's starting to quiet down. Everybody's trying to put on poker faces, really just trying to hide their cards and keep it to themselves. It's really how the game is played right before the draft."

And Faine continues to ignore draft order when he chats with teams.

"In the end, you really can't focus on any particular team too much. Teams make moves, so you really don't ever know [where you're going] until it actually happens."

 

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