New Pats linebacker Victor Hobson attended yesterday’s passing camp at Gillette Stadium.

The Providence Journal / Mary Murphy

FOXBORO — When Victor Hobson got his first chance to become a free agent in the NFL, he got calls from other suitors, but made only one visit, to New England.

The 28-year-old linebacker, signed by the Patriots last month, joined the Pats from the New York Jets, enemy No. 1 for New England fans.

But Hobson wasn’t concerned with crossing over to the other side of the Border War. His decision was purely a business one — just like the Jets’ decision not to attempt to re-sign the former second-round pick after 343 tackles and 11 sacks over five seasons.

“Very few people stay with one team forever nowadays. It’s part of the business,” Hobson said yesterday after the Pats’ passing camp session.

It was against the Jets in Week One last year that the scandal known as Spygate began. Now that he’s on the other side — it’s believed that former Bill Belichick protégé Eric Mangini was the whistle-blower on New England’s videotaping practices — Hobson said his opinion of the affair hasn’t changed: “I just don’t get involved in it.”

Though he has never played inside linebacker with any regularity in his career, Hobson’s stout frame (he’s 6-feet, 252 pounds) seems to make him a natural fit to play inside in New England’s 3-4 defensive system. Under Mangini, the Jets also play a 3-4, but Hobson remained outside.

It seems that Hobson will be moving inside with the Patriots, and he’s ready for whatever they ask of him.

“I don’t mind it,” he said. “I just like playing linebacker.”

Now that he’s had his playbook in hand for a few weeks, Hobson has noticed that there are some differences between Mangini’s defense and Belichick’s, but not too many. As a longtime assistant under Belichick, Mangini has likely culled much of his scheme and philosophy from his former boss.

Much of his time since signing a one-year deal with New England has been spent learning, from the plays to his new teammates.

“I’ve really enjoyed being here, getting to know the players better and just trying to get better every day,” Hobson said.

While he does have five years under his belt, Hobson is one of the younger members of the Patriots’ linebacking corps, and he is looking forward to the opportunity to learn from players like Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel, Adalius Thomas and (if he returns) Junior Seau.

The chance to play for Belichick, who is known for his development of linebackers, sweetens the deal.

“I think he’s a great coach in general, but with linebackers, he’s developed a lot of talent at the position,” Hobson said.

Hobson, who was a teammate of Tom Brady’s at Michigan, is known as a good locker-room guy. He also is an experienced boxer who took full advantage of Mangini’s weekly offseason sessions with legendary trainer Teddy Atlas.

Quick kicks

Seventy-four of the 81 players New England has on the roster were present yesterday. Among those missing: CB Ellis Hobbs, G Stephen Neal, WR Wes Welker, TE Benjamin Watson, TE David Thomas, DL Jarvis Green and DL Mike Wright. … While it’s difficult to gauge things at a non-pads passing camp, third-year receiver Chad Jackson was singled out by the coaching staff on a couple of occasions for his sharp route-running. … Reserve safety/special teamer Ray Ventrone was in a white (offense) jersey yesterday, and did some drills with the receivers. … Undrafted rookie punter Mike Dragosavich was booming punts with impressive hangtime. New England has three punters on the roster: Dragosavich, Chris Hanson and Scott Player.

smanza@projo.com