We learned earlier Tuesday that JaMarcus Russell has dropped 50 pounds since he walked into the TEST Academy in California.
Russell's now at a lean 265, his exact weight when he tore up the 2007 NFL Scouting Combine and captured Al Davis' affection.
Now that Russell has shed the frame of a left tackle, will NFL teams take him seriously as a roster candidate?
Apparently, the answer is yes. According to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, there is now "significant" interest from more than one team, according to a source.
Rapoport said on "NFL Total Access" that Russell -- who has hired high-powered agent Eugene Parker -- would like to sign with a team where he can sit on the bench and learn behind a respected leader at quarterback.
Translation: JaMarcus Russell wants NFL teams to know that if you sign him, you'll get an eager student with excellent dietary habits. Not the schlub who used to fall asleep during team meetings.
If Russell doesn't catch on with an NFL team in the next 30 to 45 days, Rapoport said Russell is "more than open" to signing with a team in the CFL. He has received plenty of interest up north.
Russell seems to have done all the right things during this comeback attempt. Now we'll see if a team is willing to take a leap of faith.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.
