What’s the most important position in football, outside of the quarterback? That falls on the offensive line — the guys responsible for keeping the quarterback on his feet. And no one on a line has a deeper role to play than the center. Ben Gude, described by his coaches as the “heart and soul” of the Plant City JV Dolphins’ O-line, helped his team to a 39-0 victory Aug. 16, over the Wesley Chapel Cowboys.
How long have you been playing football?
I started when I was 6 or 7. So, about six years.
Have you always played on the O-line, or have you bounced around?
I’ve always played O-line, pretty much. Guard, tackle, center.
And center is your favorite?
Yes, sir. Because, you know, the offense can’t really work without a center. You’re, like, the main guy.
You guys just got off to a good start in the regular season. What was the key to your win?
The O-line did great, We had a great offensive flow, and our defense shut (Wesley Chapel) out.
What are you hoping to do over the rest of the season?
The same thing we did Saturday. Have a great O-line and a good offense.
Do you play any other sports?
I play basketball.
What else do you like to do for fun?
Fishing. I like freshwater fishing. I usually catch bass. My biggest catch ever was probably a six-pounder. I caught it at Crooked Lake.
What’s your favorite food?
Steak. Any steak that’s put in front of me.
Is that your pre-game meal, or do you eat something different?
I normally eat something different.
What do you like to do to get ready for your games?
I like to listen to my music to get pumped up. Mostly country. I don’t have a favorite artist — any kind is good.
What are your favorite movies?
I don’t watch a whole lot of movies or TV. I watch game film.
What is your favorite football memory?
Probably the year I won the Superbowl, which was 2011 or 2010. I was probably with the Pee Wees. We had only beat the team we were playing, 6-0, in the regular season, and then we beat them, like, 28-7, in the Superbowl.
If you could have any superpower for the day, what would it be?
Super strength.
If you could be either rich or famous, what would you pick?
Rich, so I could buy a big house in Tennessee.
What are your favorite teams?
The Tampa Bay Bucs and the Florida Gators.
Who’s your favorite athlete of all-time?
Ray Lewis. I used to play linebacker, and I was really, really small.
Is there any lineman you model your game after?
Probably Mike Pouncey, the center for Miami. He always has good snaps, he never messes up, and he never lets anybody through the line.
If you could play for any team, pro or college, what would it be?
Probably the University of Florida.