Yates

FOXBORO –– By now, it’s common knowledge that Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia is pretty good at his job. The fact that he’s remained in New England through four different head coaching regimes should offer some evidence of that; the number of players he’s mentored from the practice squad to the 53-man roster to starting roles is another.

Billy Yates is evidence of Scarnecchia’s talent for molding linemen. The 28-year-old Texas native was signed to the Patriots’ practice squad early in the 2004 season, and also was on the squad in ’05 and ’06. But last year, out of practice-squad eligibility, he made the roster and played in a career-high seven games.

This year, with right guard Stephen Neal on the physically-unable-to-perform list and Russ Hochstein missing valuable training camp time due to an injury, Yates staked a claim to the starting spot on the line. He was singled out by Bill Belichick for his blocking against the Jets last week.

The soft-spoken Texas A&M Aggie is this week’s Up Close.

•MY FIRST CAR: Was an ’86 Buick LeSabre. My daddy gave it to me. It was always in the shop.

•THE LAST ALBUM I DOWNLOADED: Was probably Marvin Sapp. He’s a gospel singer.

•MY HERO: My daddy, Billy White. As I was getting older, I stayed with my dad and he showed me how to be a man, to take care of your responsibilities, stuff like that.

•MY FAVORITE OFF-DAY ACTIVITY: Spending time with my wife (Tamika). We usually end up going to the movies. (Most recently) we saw Traitor and Tyler Perry’s The Family that Preys.

•MY FAVORITE MEAL: (Smiles) I just like to eat. But I do have a favorite restaurant, Pappadeaux’s, in Texas. It’s Cajun.

•IF I WASN’T IN THE NFL: I’d probably be coaching. I enjoy the game, and I’d try to find a way to stay around the game, help somebody else achieve their dream.

•MY BUCKET LIST: I don’t really have one; not anything crazy. I’m doing pretty much what I want to do. Just have kids, raise a (bunch) of kids.

smanza@projo.com