Last year a big emphasis on defense was dropping weight, in order for players to substitute more freely and play faster against up-tempo offenses. Defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt, who spearheaded that emphasis, also hasn’t spoken to the media yet this offseason, but Jenkins indicated that the emphasis this offseason is slightly different. Not changed, but perhaps just advanced.

“We have the depth now where we can put people where they want to be put, and now that we’ve had a full season in the system, I feel like certain guys might gain muscle weight,” Jenkins said. “Like I’ve been dropping down the fat weight.”

Before you label that typical offseason happy talk, note Jenkins’ body changes.

Jordan Jenkins, the senior outside linebacker, estimated he’s at around 13 percent body fat, after being measured at 14.8. He’s also added about six pounds, up to 251.

“It’s just healthier weight that’s on me now,” Jenkins said.

Proof’s in the pudding, of course, and we can’t know if this pays off for several months.  It’s fair to say that overall, team conditioning has improved steadily over the past couple of seasons.  But it would be nice to see a little more strength and stamina to counter some of the soft run defense we saw in the latter half of 2014.