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BODY COMPOSITION CHARACTERISTICS OF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP NCAA DIVISION 1 FOOTBALL PLAYERS

Poster · July 2015

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.33876.71047

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Jason C. Casey Phil Bishop

Metropolitan State University of Denver University of Alabama
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 BODY COMPOSITION CHARACTERISTICS OF
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP NCAA DIVISION 1
FOOTBALL PLAYERS
Jason C. Casey1, 2, Kolson L. Casey1, Phillip A. Bishop1, and Michael R. Esco1
1Department of Kinesiology, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
2University Recreation, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION RESULTS

American football is a diverse sport composed of athletes with a variety of
physiological characteristics. Body size and composition have been shown to be
two primary components of physical fitness that influence performance of football
players. However, limited research is available examining body composition
characteristics of elite level collegiate football players.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the body size and
composition of national championship-level NCAA Division 1 football players.
METHODS: One-hundred thirty-five (n = 135) male NCAA Division 1 football
players (age = 20.5 ± 1.1 yrs) participated in this study over a 2-year period (data
collected: July of 2008, 2009 and 2010). This team won the National
Championship in 2009, while competing in a BCS bowl in 2008. At each visit,
body weight (BW) was measured with a calibrated digital scale and body fat
percentage (BF%), fat mass (FM), and fat-free mass (FFM) were measured with
air displacement plethysmography (BODPOD).
RESULTS: Overall body size and composition for the team and by position are
compared in Table 1.
CONCLUSION: This study revealed descriptive body composition characteristics
of a NCAA D-1 elite-level football team. The body composition values were
significantly different among positions.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This study provides body composition reference
values that may be beneficial when planning and modifying training and nutrition
programs that are specifically designed for enhancing football performance.
 It is important to assess these values in collegiate athletes due to the
potential for short American football career.
 Little research is currently available investigating body size and composition
in elite-level NCAA football players.
METHODS
 All participants (n = 135) were NCAA Division 1 football players at the
time of and on the team each year of data collection.
 Data were collected in July of 2008, 2009, and 2010.
 Participants arrived to the laboratory in a 2-hour fasted state and had
abstained from exercise for at least 3 hours.
 Each visit included the following assessments:
 BW via a calibrated digital scale
 Height via a stadiometer
 BF%, FM, and FFM via air displacement plethysmography

INTRODUCTION RESULTS CONCLUSIONS

Height vs Weight  This study revealed descriptive body size and composition characteristics of a NCAA
 American football players consists of athletes with varying physiological 2.05 D-1 elite-level football team.
characteristics, primarily due to different demands of specific positions.
2.00  The body composition values were significantly different among positions.
 Many factors determine and influence athletic performance of American  OL and DL were the largest individuals.
1.95
football players, with body size and composition being shown to be  OL had the highest BF% and FM.
Height (m)

primary contributors. 1.90  OL, DL, LB, and TE had higher FFM than any other position.
 Recent literature has shown that American football athletes have an 1.85
inverse relationship between BF% and various performance measures.
1.80 PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
 It has also been indicated that retired American football players have an 1.75
increased risk for becoming obese, developing metabolic syndrome,  This study provides body composition reference values that may be beneficial when
cardiovascular disease, and sleep-disordered breathing. 1.70 planning and modifying training and nutrition programs that are specifically designed
70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180
for enhancing football performance.
 Evaluation of baseline body size and composition differences may be Weight (kg)
useful for practitioners to prescribe and develop programs to allow  These values may be beneficial for assessing current and future health risks for
maximum results for each individual.  Figure 1. Individual comparisons of height (m) and weight (kg). American football players.

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