I wrote a story for today's paper about Auburn first baseman Hunter Morris and his offseason weight loss. Here's how it starts:

AUBURN, Ala. — Flanked by Hunter Morris, one of the most recognizable faces on the Auburn baseball team, Tigers head coach John Pawlowski nonetheless felt compelled to re-introduce his first baseman during last week’s preseason press conference.

That’s how much Morris transformed his body last offseason.

Morris, a preseason All-American selection by Baseball America, showed off his svelter side last week, slimmed down to 208 pounds from the 220 he was listed at last year.

“From last season, I probably dropped about 30 pounds and then started building it back up the right way through muscle training, trying to get stronger,” said Morris, whose Tigers begin their season Friday. “My athleticism has gone from where it was last year just through the roof.”

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