Cody now a SLIM 354 LBS!

The 6-foot-5 Cody played last season at 365 pounds. And when he suffered a mid-season knee injury, his conditioning suffered.

Now Cody said his knee is "100 percent," and he plans to play the 2009 season without a brace. He has dropped to 354 pounds, and the difference is evident.

"I'm able to do a lot more things that I wasn't able to do when I was heavier," said Cody, who passed on early entry into the NFL Draft to expand his game and trim his waistline. "I'm quicker off the ball and using my hips more. My footwork is getting better."

If Cody is capable of being an every down player, he could create the kind of disruption that Saban said is key for any pass rush.

Slimmer Terrence Cody of Alabama wants to play on third downs this season