More: Potential for 'serious' tackle combo | Freshman catching attention ($)

At the beginning of May, Lorenzo Neal knew he had a lot of work ahead.

The defensive tackle, coming off a long rehab after surgery repaired three torn ligaments in his left foot, had to get himself back in shape as quickly as possible after being sidelined for the winter and spring.

It included conditioning and diet, as he tried to trim his 6-foot-2 frame down from the 345 pounds or so he played at last season to a more reasonable weight. He’s continuing to try to lose, but has already been successful, dropping about 20 pounds to get into the 325-330 range.