Texas linebacker Jahdae Barron entered SEC Media Days as one of the lynchpins of the 2024 team's plans. Barron will be leaned upon to compensate for some of the program's defensive departures to the NFL. He's also one of the most reliable returning linebackers not only on Texas' roster, but across the Longhorns' new conference.
Yet that wasn't what stood out about Barron in Dallas. Rather, it was new physique, which one reporter quickly noticed and asked about. The answer was pretty eye-opening.
I asked Jahdae Barron if his current listing on the roster at 200 pounds is accurate.
— Captain Bruisin, cruise director (@Ian_A_Boyd) July 17, 2024
He indicated it was not, as he's actually 240 pounds.
Adding 40 pounds of pure muscle mass is a pretty astonishing gain in a single offseason.
Just as a frame of reference, adding 40 pounds of lean muscle mass looks like this.
These changes are dramatic. For Texas fans, the hope is that Barron's leadership of the defense, starting with having others follow the strength and fitness commitments he's made off the field.
