Tedy Bruschi may now be playing on Sundays with the New England Patriots, but he said the University of Arizona will always hold a special place in his heart.

"You can never replace the feeling you get when you play college ball," he said last week from his home in Massachusetts. "It's a special feeling that engulfs you. The UA will always be a part of Tedy Bruschi."

Bruschi, who played defensive end and finished his four-year career tied with Alabama's Derrick Thomas for the most career NCAA sacks with 52, was a third-round pick in the NFL draft in April.

"I like it a lot so far," the 23-year-old said. "I've been real fortunate."

The 6-foot-1, 260-pound linebacker and special teams player said there are many similarities between playing college and professional football, but there is one enjoyable difference.

"The prosare very fun," he said. "The only difference is that when I come home from practice now, I don't have to study for a 9 a.m. class."

With no classes to study for, Bruschi can spend his off hours doing whatever he pleases.

"Playing football is a job now - from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.," Bruschi said. "It's the funnest job I could possibly have."

But it is a job that has taken him from the place the California native considers home.

"I hope I get back to Tucson," he said. "I loved my UA experience so much."

The unpredictable New England weather, as one might expect, has been a big change for Bruschi as well.

"It's funny," he said. "The guys on the team laugh at me because I say it's cold, and they say, 'Wait until the snow comes.'"

But what about New England football fans? Are they as die-hard as UA football fans? Bruschi seems to think so.

"The fans here are a lot like the UA fans," he said. "They are vocal and will let you know when you're doing well - they're not afraid to voice their opinions. They're great fans."

But, Bruschi said, the media in the New England area is tough on the Patriots when they lose.

"When we lose, they're quick to point the finger," he said.

But Bruschi said he doesn't let it bother him. He knows what he has to do.

"You have to focus on the team," he said.

Since Bruschi started playing for the Patriots, he said he has made friends and looks both to veterans and other young players for guidance.

"Chris Slade has taught me a lot," Bruschi said. "It's a very young team and I can relate to a lot of the guys. We're all on the same wavelength. We're especially good when we're hitting our groove, like we did against the Cardinals (Sept. 15)."

And hit their groove they did, shutting out the Arizona Cardinals 31-0.

Bruschi said he enjoys playing on the special teams but is continuing to get more playing time on defense, sometimes seeing time as a pass rusher.

"I try and give the biggest contribution I can," he said. "I understand that my time will come."

Time is what Bruschi has plenty of, hoping to perfect his game under Patriots coach Bill Parcells. Bruschi said perfection is an important factor of Parcells' coaching method.

"He's a tough coach because he wants things to be perfect," Bruschi said. "He's tough on the rookies and the veterans because he wants things to be done right. It's fun playing for him."

So now, with his whole football career ahead of him, Bruschi said he has a lot to be thankful for.

"Up to this point," he said, "I couldn't have asked for anything more."

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