FAYETTEVILLE -- Arkansas likes to claim it had the heaviest offensive line in the college or NFL ranks last season with the average weight of its five starters edging the Buffalo Bills 328.4 pounds to 324.6.
If the Razorbacks don't repeat as heavyweight champs this season, blame it on Sebastian Tretola.
Arkansas listed the 6-5 Tretola at 350 pounds last season. The senior starting left guard from San Bernardino, Calif., said he's now down to 325 pounds.
"I feel 325 is an ideal weight for me," Tretola said. "I've never felt better."
Tretola, who started the final 11 games last season, has lost more than 50 pounds in a year. He weighed 376 pounds when he reported for fall camp last August as a transfer from Iowa Western Community College.
It was the heaviest Tretola said he's ever been and was the result of being home for seven months finishing up some online classes in the spring and summer -- rather than being on campus working out with his new teammates -- to be eligible to enroll at Arkansas.
Tretola had lost about 25 pounds, by the time season started, and now he's lost another 25.
"I love what Sebastian's done," quarterback Brandon Allen said. "He's got so much more energy and so much more endurance.
"He's going to be an even better player now with that physique."
Arkansas has held most of its preseason practices in the afternoon heat -- to simulate the 2:30 p.m. kickoff for the season opener against Texas-El Paso Sept. 5 -- but Tretola hasn't experienced any problems.
Coaches have praised Tretola for his consistency in practice.
"It's completely different playing at this weight," Tretola said. "Last fall camp, after warmups I was gassed, breathing hard, pouring down sweat. I needed a sponge after every rep.
"This is a whole different feeling. It's still hot, and I still get tired, but I recover faster, so it's nice."
Defensive tackle Taiwan Johnson said Tretola's change physically is impressive.
"His transformation has been crazy," Johnson said. "He looks like a whole different person. He's moving so good.
"He's always been athletic, but at this weight I think he's going to be way better."
Defensive end JaMichael Winston said Tretola hasn't lost any of his power.
"He was hard to move last year, and let me tell you he's still hard to move," Winston said. "He's even quicker with his hands and feet, too."
Tretola made national headlines last season when he threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to deep snapper Alan D'Appollonio against Alabama-Birmingham on a fake field goal.
At a lighter weight, could Tretola be a running threat as well this season?
"Teams better be nervous," Tretola said with a laugh. "That's all I've got to say."
Sophomore right guard Frank Ragnow has been Tretola's workout partner since last winter.
"Sebastian's work ethic is phenomenal," Ragnow said. "It's awesome to see how hard he goes at it. He never misses a rep in workouts or practices.
"He's gotten in such good shape that sometimes we run with the tight ends instead of the linemen."
Last season offensive line coach Sam Pittman often wondered aloud that as good as Tretola was playing, how much better would he be if he lost a few more pounds.
Pittman no longer has to wonder. He's seeing the results every day in practice.
"I thought if we got Sebastian under 350 we'd be doing pretty good," Pittman said. "I didn't think he'd get down this low, but he started taking the weight off, and he got to liking it.
"I'll say this -- I don't want him to go any lower. I think he's right where he needs to be at 325."
Tretola credited strength and conditioning coach Ben Herbert with his weight loss.
"Coach Herb is a mastermind," Tretola said. "What he does with us is unbelievable. Obviously, you have to want to work, but if you want to work he's going to take care of you.
"He's going to shape you and mold you into a beast as he likes to call it."
Pittman praised Herbert, but said not to underestimate Tretola's role.
"The truth of the matter is, you recruit good kids and they're willing to work," Pittman said. "That's the bottom line.
"Ben's a great coach, but Sebastian works really hard, too."
Tretola said he's eating lighter, but he won't give up his mother Mary's beef enchiladas.
"Those will never be taken away.," he said with a smile. "Those are always going to be around."
Coach Bret Bielema said he's been "blown away" by how Tretola has played in fall camp, particularly the lightness on his feet and speed and quickness as a pulling guard on run plays.
"He's really, really a good football player," Bielema said. "He owns that left guard position. He's one of our best competitors.
"When things get rough, I try to rally him up, because he's our best motivator. When he talks, people definitely do listen."
Offensive tackle Dan Skipper laughed when talking about Tretola's personality and how he relates to the other linemen.
"We're all a little crazy, so he fits right in," Skipper said. "He's a great guy to be around. You don't ever have to worry about him on the field or off the field.
"He's going to be the same guy with us every day. That's something we all love about him."
Pittman said he wasn't sure how Tretola would fit in last year after not being able to be around the Razorbacks in the summer.
"I was a little concerned, but it's been awesome how well he's blended with our guys," Pittman said. "It's been almost unbelievable.
"He's a leader in our room, and deservedly so. He's a great player and a great kid. He's got a big future ahead of him."
Big, but not quite as heavy.
Sports on 08/24/2015