MADISON, Wis. — 405. It's more than a number, more than an Oklahoma City area code, more than a heavily congested freeway in Southern California.
405. It's more of a goal, more of a milestone, more of a standard today for defensive backs in the Wisconsin weight room, compliments of Natrell Jamerson, a senior free safety.
Recently, the 6-foot, 198-pound Jamerson benched 405 pounds.
"405 is a big number," Jamerson conceded, "especially for a guy my size."
After maxing out at twice his weight, he said proudly, "That's like a lineman's bench press."
His best previous mark was 385. How surprised was Jamerson? Not surprised at all.
"I started lifting weights my freshman year of high school," he said. "I like working out."
Others weren't as subdued. Instead, they erupted when he extended the bar from his chest.
"They were all surprised," he said of his teammates who crowded around him in the weight room under the north stands of Camp Randall. "If you've seen the video, just look at their faces."
Photo: Wisconsin Badgers
For more on Wisconsin: