The Jacksonville Jaguars are entering the 2024 season with a renewed focus on optimizing their defensive line. After losing the battle on the boards last spring, key players Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen made a strategic decision to play lighter this spring. This change isn’t just to make them better performers, though. That decision is preceded by previous standout seasons in which both UGA players piled up double-digit sack and QB pressure numbers.
Last season, Walker recorded a career-high 10.5 sacks, and Hines-Allen added another 8 sacks to the Jaguars’ powerful defense. This season, they somehow stepped it up another notch, with Hines-Allen recording 17.5 sacks and Walker not far behind her with 10 of his own. The Jaguars’ success was largely due to their ability to harass opposing offensive units. Now, they hope to capitalize on that momentum by specifically modifying their weight training.
Both players today sit at around 255 pounds and both have even lost three pounds each since last season. This departure from the norm would fit a pattern both players have shown in their careers, thriving when they’ve come in lighter.
Similar to Hines-Allen, Greedy Williams switched from outside linebacker to defensive end last year. In an effort to increase his physicality on the field, he packed on weight in the process. Over the years, he’s learned that staying away from those extra pounds helps him play his best, being more quick and nimble on his feet.
“I don’t want to get off the field. That allows me to lose a little weight, because I don’t want to get off the field. I want to do what’s best for my team.” – Josh Hines-Allen
Walker packed on pounds last season, although he didn’t disclose how many. In just three games, he’s shown the willingness to improve his all-around game. He wants that run-stopper who can get to the quarterback, reiterating his “well-rounded player” mantra.
“For me, I just want to be a total and complete football player. I want to be able to stop the run because we aren’t able to rush the passer without stopping the run,” said Walker. “Once we do that it allows us to get after the quarterback.”
Through their dedication to conditioning and performance enhancement, both players have shown they can contribute significantly to the Jaguars’ defensive strategy. Walker notched a career-high with two forced fumbles last season. Promptly after that, he again made headlines when he returned his first career touchdown on a fumble return against the Philadelphia Eagles.
That’s the thing about Hines-Allen — he demonstrated an ability to get after quarterbacks last season. He did greatly improve his impact by recording 96 QB pressures. Walker led all edge rushers with 60 QB pressures, emphasizing their ability to generate playmaking opportunities for turnovers and sacks.
Walker was 2.5 sacks short of breaking Tony Brackens’ franchise record for all-time sacks. Both players joined Train on the Bandwagon and are looking to be the first players to hoist the updated trophy this season. They take their pledge to play lighter very seriously. This approach is just one component of an overall strategy to improve their game and win more games for the Jaguars.
Informed by his recent weight loss and what exactly it means for his performance. He understood that the extra weight he was carrying was hard on his body. This realization inspired him to shed a few pounds.
“My mindset was always to be as dominant, but obviously, holding a little bit more weight kind of puts a little bit more wear and tear on the body,” Hines-Allen stated.
He is keying on keeping energy levels high during games. Hines-Allen aims to play at a high level on every down, expressing his goal of staying on the field longer while still contributing effectively.
“I want to play at a high level each and every rep, get out, get a squirt of water and come back in and play four or five plays if needed, full speed, and take over games,” he explained.
As both players adjust training routines and weight levels this spring, they are both focused on continuing to improve and master their skills. For Hines-Allen, building up from what’s been done before is crucial as they continue reaching for a higher standard.
“Again, learn to adapt. Got to know what works best for you. Something that I tried, and something that I’m like, ‘All right, I probably don’t want to do that again,’” Hines-Allen remarked.
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