Leonard Fournette tells Les Miles he lost weight for him

Nov 14, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) leaves the field after failing on a fourth down play against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. Arkansas defeated LSU 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) leaves the field after failing on a fourth down play against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. Arkansas defeated LSU 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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LSU Tigers’ star running back Leonard Fournette let head coach Les Miles know he’s lost weight to appease him.

Everyone knows just how good Leonard Fournette is. The LSU Tigers’ star running back would have likely been one of the top NFL Draft selections this year had he been eligible, but is a lock to leave after his junior season in 2016, barring an injury.

When you look at his game, you see a quick, elusive runner who’s also not afraid to bull over opponents on his way to the end zone. You would never see him as a guy who could afford to lose a few pounds — until you hear Les Miles’ opinion.

According to College Spun, Miles told The Paul Finebaum Show that he wants Fournette to drop about 10 pounds.

"“I think Leonard was 235 or 233 (pounds) or so during spring,” Miles said Thursday on the “Paul Finebaum Show.” “We want him right around 225. So that his strength and speed are kind of maximized. He’s an elite guy and he wants to be in an elite body as he goes into the fall. I think that certainly this summer will provide him that opportunity.”"

Fournette heard what his head coach had to say and took to Twitter to jokingly jab at Miles.

Whether it’s truthful or just a joke, Fournette clearly didn’t take this to heart. As a football player, losing and gaining weight can become a constant battle.

ESPN currently lists him at about 230 pounds, so dropping 5-to-10 pounds shouldn’t be too difficult. All the offseason conditioning has to help, but a faster Fournette is a scary thought.

The junior running back finished with 1,953 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2015 and is a strong Heisman candidate for 2016.

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