photo by: Nick Krug

Kansas defensive tackle J.J. Holmes (88), Kansas defensive tackle Daniel Wise (96), Kansas defensive end Jelani Arnold (91) and others kneel to listen to Kansas head coach David Beaty following an open practice on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at Memorial Stadium.

It was only natural to watch nose tackle J.J. Holmes play for Kansas in his first season after transferring from Hutchinson Community College and wonder: If he lost weight, how much quicker could he become, how much more productive?

We’ll find out this season. Holmes looks completely different. His gut has shrunk considerably. His face looks slimmer, younger. He obviously has exercised good discipline in eating better, a step that is bound to lead him to play better.

“I went on a big weight loss,” Holmes said. “I lost 26, 27 pounds since last spring.”

Feel faster?

“Definitely,” Holmes said. “Definitely.”

Holmes started 11 games and at times looked worthy of the hype that preceded his arrival at Kansas. The coaching staff was excited to get him, but as is the case with many players from junior college in their first seasons of Big 12 football, it didn’t click for him immediately. Some improve a great deal in their second seasons.

Holmes’ improved conditioning will enable him to move better and stay on the field longer. If he doesn’t become more productive than last season, KU has improved depth at defensive tackle, which should be good motivation for Holmes to continue his impressive work in the area of conditioning.