University of Washington running back Chris Polk generated mixed reviews at January’s Senior Bowl, largely due to a feeling that he was too heavy and lacked explosive burst in practices. Polk measured 5-foot-10 1/2 and 224 pounds in Mobile four weeks ago.
On Saturday at the Combine, Polk measured in at 215. He’s reacted to the criticism and shed pounds, nine to be exact.
“I would definitely say that the Senior Bowl weigh-in was definitely a wake-up call,” Polk said of his weight, according to Danny O’Neil of the Seattle Times. “I wasn’t really comfortable with my weight. I didn’t like being that weight. … I’m like, yeah, something’s wrong here. I just wanted to lose weight for me as a personal thing to show GMs and coaches that I’m dedicated and I do care.”
Polk was a highly productive collegiate, averaging 5.07 yards per career carry as a 40-game starter for the Huskies. He was twice a first-team All-Pac 12 pick and did not miss a game from the 2009 season on, showing durability.
Polk’s weight loss should not only allay concerns about his conditioning, it should help him in the forty-yard dash.
