Missouri Tigers DT Josh Augusta Slimming Down for Push at NFL

Josh Augusta has significantly changed his body composition in a bid to position himself as an NFL Draft candidate.

For the past four seasons, Missouri Tigers defensive tackle Josh Augusta has been a major fan favorite, largely because he’s managed to display so much athleticism despite being an extremely large, rather unathletic-looking figure. He even earned the nickname “Big Bear” early in his collegiate career from his teammates before eventually deciding to re-nickname himself “Juggernaut.”

However, Augusta–who saw extensive action at fullback in addition to his primary position of nose tackle in 2016–is taking initiative to make himself more attractive to NFL teams ahead of next month’s NFL Draft. Augusta, who was listed at 355 pounds in 2016 but actually played at about 390 pounds, has trimmed extensive weight in an attempt to become more agile (and healthy overall), according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch‘s Dave Matter:

While the fact that Augusta has been part of a rather deep defensive tackle rotation for the past three seasons makes it difficult to judge his viability as a three-down player, a quick look at his on-field play during 2016 should signify to NFL talent evaluators that he’s got enough athleticism to be a solid interior defensive lineman in the league. That’s extremely impressive for a player that was nearly 400 pounds during his senior season, though he’ll obviously need to be lighter if he wants to earn an NFL gig.

Next: Michael Porter Jr. Officially Considering Mizzou

Regardless, if he can become a bit more nimble and increase his ability to play in an attacking 4-3 defense, it’ll open up opportunities for him around the league. And ultimately, if he’s able to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the pain that his thyroid condition causes, that’s the biggest positive of all.