SOUTH BEND, Ind., Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Offensive lineman Jeff Faine of Notre Dame has decided to enter the NFL Draft.
Faine is regarded as one of the best interior offensive linemen in college football. His decision means he will forego his senior season at the school.
The 6-3, 298-pound center, who was a three-year starter, was a Rimington Award finalist and Lombardi Award semifinalist. He admitted he made the decision after being told by the draft advisory board that he likely would be a second-round selection.
The second-team All-American has started in every one of his 35 games at Notre Dame, and keyed a revitalized Fighting Irish running attack under first-year coach Tyrone Willingham.
Florida State Coach Bobby Bowden called Faine, "the best opposing center we've seen," while NBC commentator Pat Haden called Faine, "a great leader."
