This is a great discussion (bigger, faster and stronger); however, after reviewing state statistics I found myself wondering. Read and decide for yourself.
Bigger: Todays linebackers are yesterday's offense and defensive lineman. Jeez, some of todays quarterbacks are bigger than the offensive lineman I played with in the early eighties. NFL statistics show very little deviation in rb's; however, o lineman, receiver height, and quarterback size have increased through the years. Defensively, the NFL shows a marked increase in size at all positions. Is this a fact, trend, or necessity?
Faster: I thought about how I could compare this element (speed) and realistically I cant. I did research the VHSL boys track records and was surprised by how many sprint, hurdle and long distance records were recorded prior to ten years ago ( I realize hand timing may have something to do with it). While reviewing the all time fastest 40 times at the NFL combine (electronic only) 6 occurred before 2006 and only 5 have occurred in the past five years. 10 players have faster times than the current record (Bo Jackson, Darrell Green Michael Bennett and Deon Sanders to name a few), but they were hand timed. Personally, I think the offenses being used and the increase in speed of the current lineman, tight ends, safeties and linebackers lead us to say the current athlete is indeed faster.
Stronger: With today's weight training programs, nutrition, and off season workouts the strength element is a given. "Country Strong" may still work, but not over the long haul.
Technology has played a major role in the above factors as well. When comparing todays equipment (shoes, pads, helmets) one will quickly realize just how heavy the equipment of old was. Current helmets weigh between, 3 to 5 pounds as opposed to 6 to eight pounds of yesteryear. Todays pads are extremely lighter and the shoes weigh 1/2 pound each. The studs of yesteryear weighed that much.
