Puka Nacua’s New Washboard Abs Are Helping His Route Running

When LAFB asked Los Angeles Rams sophomore wide receiver Puka Nacua what his top offseason goal was, he said conditioning . He got more sleep, cut back on the McDonald’s, and worked out with Cooper Kupp starting the day after Super Bowl LVIII. The result is a slimmer, fitter version of Puka Nacua.

When asked if he could feel the difference, Nacua was completely sold on the new weight.

Puka Nacua ‘s Fat Isn’t Going In The Opposite Direction of His Route

“Yes, a hundred percent.” Nacua said, “My body control, I feel like that’s something I feel very confident in, but I feel like it’s taking it to the next level. And then being able to be more precise in my route running with that body control. I think it was maybe Coach [Mike] LaFleur or Coach [Eric] Yarber saying, ‘You slimmed down a little bit and the fat’s not going the opposite way when you’re trying to cut.’ So I think that’s a good thing. It may have been a bad comment, but I think it’s a good thing.”

It is hard to know if in fact losing a nominal amount of body fat will result in a more productive season for Nacua, but a little extra confidence goes a long way. So if Nacua feels better he will play better.

He confirmed that he is currently playing at a lighter weight than last season; 210 pounds versus the 215 to 218 pound range from last year.

Puka Nacua’s Other Offseason Improvements

In more concrete terms, Nacua has also been working on his hands, trying to cut down on 13 drops from last year.

“Sometimes I have a bad habit of popping my head, Coach Yarber says.” Nacua said, “Knowing that Matthew [Stafford is] going to hit me right in the center of the chest, but then trying to look out where the defenders are. So trying to make sure I watch it all the way into my gloves and snag that ball and protect it.”

“Hand-eye coordination, catch a good amount of tennis balls, but then watching it all the way into the catch. I trust number nine with all my heart and soul. I know wherever he’s going to put the ball, I know I can trust it and believe it with all confidence that it’s putting me in the right direction.”

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