We're in the process of installing our own soapstone counters and are at the faucet-drilling stage.

Where to put it front-to-back? We have a large single bowl stainless sink and about 5.25" of counter between the sink and the wall. Haven't even begun to think about backsplash but will likely be some sort of tile.

Should it be centered? Assuming 1/4" for the backsplash that would be 2.5" back from the sink.

Right now we have a faucet similar to the one in the link. We'll probably upgrade in the future so I want to make sure that if we go to the newer style lever that we won't run into problems with bonking your hand on the wall when you turn on the hot water.

Here is a link that might be useful: current faucet