LOS ANGELES – The drama at USC’s Pro Day on Wednesday started in the weight room.
Zach Banner, the gargantuan offensive tackle, stepped onto a scale.
NFL evaluators awaited the result.
For Banner, his weight remained a particular concern among scouts throughout his college career with the Trojans.
“I don’t have any felonies or gun charges,” Banner said, “so weight is the only issue that people identify for me.”
Too often, he ballooned.
At times, Banner saw his weight rise toward 400 pounds, even as he tried to shed the extra pounds.
Prior to last season, the 6-foot-9 Banner was below 350 after following a diet supervised by one of USC’s nutritionists.