DISCUSSION
Division I collegiate football players in this study lost weight over the competitive season as we hypothesized. In particular, upperclassmen and non line position players had significant weight loss. Lean mass also was lost as we hypothesized; however, we did not expect the combination of seniority and player position to be a factor. Our hypothesis that linemen would lose more body fat than other positions was not supported. Underclassmen playing in line positions actually lost lean mass and gained fat mass over the season. Weight did not increase in the off-season, but lean mass gains and fat mass losses improved body composition by spring.