With all due respect, what a bunch of hogwash!
Here is what Ravens GM, Ozzie Newsome, had to say about Centers:
In recent years,[
when?] the importance of centers for a football team has increased, due to the re-emergence of
3–4 defenses. According to
Baltimore Ravens general manager
Ozzie Newsome, "you need to have somebody who can neutralize that
nose tackle. If you don't, everything can get screwed up. Your running game won't be effective and you'll also have somebody in your quarterback's face on every play."
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Center_(gridiron_football)
This also was said about Centers in the media:
Attributes of a Good Center
Centers: The center is the leader of the offensive line. You will see that centers are often amongst the smartest members of a football team (just ask Matt Birk). The center is responsible for making the line calls, and blocking adjustments pre-snap. Not only are they asked to adjust the scheme accordingly, but they also must take on the teams nose tackle in a 3-4 look, double team, or tandem block along side the guards, or get to the second level to cut off a linebacker.
In pass protection, the center, if left uncovered, is asked to keep his head on a swivel, and help with any defender who may come free, or any player left unaccounted for on a blitz or stunt. In the running game, they need to be strong enough to move a 340 pound defensive tackle, and quick enough to scoop a gap defender.
https://www.hogshaven.com/2013/6/5/4398298/attributes-of-a-good-center
FYI, I played Center in high school (All State). You most definitely have to be amongst the strongest (legs, core and upper body strength) to handle big nose tackles and make sure you don't get driven back both in either run or pass blocking for various reasons explained up above. If not, you will definitely disrupt any rush or pass attempts since you are the closest lineman to both the QB and RB.
