2014 NFL Combine: Louis Nix feeling sexier than ever

INDIANAPOLIS -- Louis Nix is feeling sexy.

The Notre Dame defensive tackle walks up to the podium at Lucas Oil Stadium and there's something different about him. The massive nose tackle, who played at north of 350 pounds in his final college season, has cut 23 pounds while preparing for the NFL Scouting Combine.

Nix declared for the NFL Draft back in January and got to work right away. He began training at EXOS and was committed to losing weight after getting feedback from teams. The regimen began. No more Five Guys burgers and fries, more salad in his diet and 60 minutes per day on the elliptical machine in addition to his regular training for combine drills. The result was a lighter Nix. He never put on that weight, it was just always there, he said.

"My stomach doesn't stick out as much," Nix said. "That's kind of nice. I enjoy that part. My thighs got a little smaller. I just feel sexier, man."

His cracks a shy smile as he says it and those around him laugh. The guy who is among the most outspoken and entertaining personalities on Twitter has a quiet sense of humor in front of a crowd. When told he needs to stand at a podium, he exclaims, "a podium?" Seconds after his name is announced over the speakers in the media room, Nix says, "Nobody's coming, I guess I can go."

Nix has the look of a kid who is a bit surprised at what's going on around him. People want to talk to him and he was a bit star struck when meeting with coaches he's only seen on television.  So Nix does what he does best and just makes people laugh.

Nix is the best 3-4 nose tackle in the draft, but he doesn't feel like exclaiming it even when asked directly by a reporter.

"What do you think?" Nix said.

"Yes," the reporter replied.

"Thank you," Nix said.

In 2012, Nix played far better than he did in 2013. Part of that was a knee injury that hampered him this season, part of it may have been the weight. Nix knows teams may want him to slim down a bit and he's willing to shed even more weight if he has to.

"It depends who you ask," Nix said. "If someone wants me to stay there, I'll stay. If they want me to get sexier, I got it."

Nix isn't just feeling sexy, either. He thinks the weight is affecting his movement and play on the field.

"I think I can wiggle a little bit," Nix said. "I have dance moves. That should prove a lot."

As for his Twitter personality, Nix enjoys making people laugh but won't continue to do it if it means making his future coach angry.

"I don't how coaches will take it, and if they don't like it I'll get off of it," Nix said. "I take pride in it. People love me, I love people and I just like to entertain a little."

Before stepping off the podium, Nix looks around for any final questions. He takes a deep breath and steps away from the stage with another big smile.

"That's it, guys."