SAN Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Chase Young had to put hours in the lab to achieve his 264-pound sculpted physique.
Young, acquired by the 49ers from the Washington Commanders at the trade deadline, has added plenty of muscle since his schooling days.
In 2016, before the eventual Ohio State Buckeye headed off to college, Young had a much skinnier frame, weighing in nearly 25 pounds lighter than his playing weight today.
At Ohio State under the watch of then-head coach Urban Meyer and defensive line coach Larry Johnson, the duo took their time in developing the soon-to-be star.
It took three years for Young, who weighed in at 264 pounds at the NFL combine at the end of his junior year, to reach his gargantuan size.
At Ohio State, the 6-foot-5 defensive lineman was on a strict routine of working out and eating, kept by all players at the highly touted football school.
The efforts proved highly successful, resulting in Young becoming the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
“It was crazy, it was surreal,” Young said to Suzy Kolber after reacting to becoming the No. 2 pick.
“I dreamed of going to the NFL since I was about six years old.
“They say you put the blood, sweat, and tears into it and I believe I’ve done that all my life.
“It feels good to be in this moment.”
Just three months ago, Young returned to Ohio State for a workout, showcasing his shredded sculpt.
He did several defensive drills, including sprints, improving his footwork, and even working with a dummy.
Before the 4 pm ET trade deadline on Tuesday, the Pro Bowler was officially given word that he’d be moved.
The Commanders, who drafted Young, traded him to the 49ers for a conditional third-round pick.
Young is set to be a free agent at the end of the year and will demand a huge contract in free agency.
In his NFL career, the 24-year-old has recorded 14 sacks over three and a half seasons.
He’ll join a 5-3 Niners team, fighting for first place in the NFC.
Considering San Francisco is on their bye week in Week 9, Young will have a chance to make his debut when the team returns in Week 10, facing the Jacksonville Jaguars.