SANTA CLARA – Eric Heitmann says he hates talking about himself. Luckily, he has Mike Martz to sing his praises.
While discussing Sunday's matchup against the New York Jets' physical defensive line, Martz on Thursday called Heitmann the best center he has coached in 17 NFL seasons.
"He's the best by far because he's so much more physical than most centers," Martz said. "He's got so much size to him and so much pop. We're fortunate to have him."
That's high praise for a player who last season had a more modest salary than all but one starting center in the league. It was almost as if the 49ers were unsure they wanted Heitmann around.
They drafted another center, Cody Wallace, in the fourth round and they allowed Heitmann to begin the season in the final year of his contract. In 2007, Heitmann was returning from a broken leg, and he admitted Thursday that his mobility was hampered by the injury.
This year, however, he has been healthy and at the top of his game. He and tackle Jonas Jennings were the most consistent offensive linemen in the offseason. In August, his offensive teammates voted him their team captain. In October, the 49ers rewarded Heitmann with a three-year contract extension and a $1.25 million bonus.
Considering how well he is playing, Heitmann was asked, why didn't he wait until the end of the season and hit the open market?
"I wanted to stay here," said Heitmann, a Stanford graduate. "I've been here so long, the Bay Area has become home for me."
Heitmann has perhaps his biggest challenge of the season Sunday when he faces Jets nose tackle Kris Jenkins, who is generously listed in New York's media guide at 349 pounds.
Jenkins is the linchpin of a defensive front that is No. 4 in the league at stopping the run.
"I think he is as physical and violent a player in that defense as there is in the league right now," Martz said of Jenkins. " … He gets a terrific push on the center.
"I think Eric has his work cut out for him. It's a good matchup. I'm excited to see that one."
Et cetera – Cornerback Nate Clements (thumb) missed his second consecutive practice and is questionable for Sunday's game. He and Allen Rossum (ankle) were the only two players to sit out practice. Receiver Arnaz Battle (foot) went through his first full practice since Oct. 24.
• Coach Mike Singletary said Adam Snyder would start Sunday at right tackle but that Barry Sims – recently returned from a foot injury – also would see time at the position.
• The 49ers sent a letter to all season-ticket holders informing them prices will not go up next season.
Read Matthew Barrows' 49ers blog at www.sacbee.com/ninersblog.
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