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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee defensive tackle Kahlil McKenzie arrived on campus amid enormous expectations to match his massive physique.One year later, McKenzie wants to produce bigger games with a slightly smaller frame. The sophomore hopes his weight loss allows him to live up to the promise of a five-star recruit with family members who played at Tennessee.McKenzie, who was listed as 344 pounds on Tennessees 2015 roster, says he played between 327-335 last season. Hes changed his body enough that Tennessee coach Butch Jones describes McKenzie as a slim 315 pounds, though the Vols current roster still lists him as 325.It was kind of a shock, to be honest, said McKenzie, who was last 315 as a junior in high school. I didnt think it was really going to happen. Its a great feeling, getting back down to that weight. You just feel a lot better. You can move a lot better. Youre not winded as easily.Much has been expected of McKenzie since he signed with Tennessee. He was rated as a five-star recruit by multiple services and was considered the nations No. 1 player in his class by Scout.Theres also the matter of living up to the family name. McKenzie is the son of Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie, who played linebacker at Tennessee from 1981-84 and in the NFL from 1985-92. McKenzies uncle, Raleigh McKenzie, played offensive line at Tennessee from 1981-84 and in the NFL from 1985-2000.They know what it takes, McKenzie said. They were there. They did it. So everything they say to me, I take as a little nugget, something thats going to help me. They did it, so whatever they say clearly worked. I take everything they say and kind of mentally put it in the bank so I can use it for the future.McKenzie had a tough time living up to his billing last season. He didnt play his senior year in high school because of an eligibility issue stemming from his transfer to Clayton Valley Charter School in Concord, California. He wasnt fully healthy in training camp and finished the season with 24 tackles and one sack in a reserve role.As he attempted to improve, McKenzie relied on the advice he received from his dad and uncle. McKenzie said they stressed helping my team whatever way I can to win.Jones noted McKenzie worked very, very, very hard in reaching a more manageable weight.If you put McDonalds in your body, youre going to perform like McDonalds, McKenzie said. Youve got to know what to eat, how to train and things like that. (Its) really just conditioning your mind to be able to take that next step, be able to say no to McDonalds when you know its an easy meal.McKenzies teammates have noticed the difference in him. The changes go well beyond dropping weight and changing his uniform number from No. 1 to No. 99.Ive definitely seen him be more explosive than he was his freshman year, senior defensive end Corey Vereen said. Thats a good sign. (Hes) using his hands better. We were really on him last year about using his hands and not just shouldering people. This is the SEC. You have to use good hand work.That change in approach could help McKenzie produce bigger numbers, though he passed up the opportunity Tuesday to discuss individual goals for this season. He only talked about being one piece of a puzzle as part of Tennessees deepest defensive line in many years.Im just trying to win the national championship with the rest of my teammates, McKenzie said. Everybody, we have the same goal. Were just trying to be the best team we can possibly be.---AP college football site: http://collegefootball.ap.org Custom Boston Red Sox Nike Jerseys . Speaking to the Chicago Tribune at baseballs Winter Meetings in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, Boras called the former home of the Expos a "tremendous environment" for baseball. Fake Custom Nike Baseball Jerseys . Coach Tom Thibodeau says the former MVP will probably start travelling with the team in the next few weeks. 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WASHINGTON -- Outfielder Bryce Harper is not in the Nationals starting lineup for Sundays series finale against the San Francisco Giants.Harper was removed from Saturdays 7-1 loss to the Giants with neck stiffness.After the game Harper said that he has been bothered by a stiff neck for a few days but wasnt sure what caused it.Harper was 0 for 3 with three strikeouts Saturday, dropping his batting average to .233. The 2015 National League MVP is noow hitting .dddddddddddd179 (19 for 106) since July 1 and has one home run in his last 22 games.The Nationals upcoming schedule is favorable should Harper require a few days to recover.Washington has a day off Monday before beginning a two-game series against the Indians. The Nationals then have another day off Thursday. ' ' '