Absolutely.....off season doesn't mean eat crap.....crap = excess fat. If you increase calories and eat on an excess to gain your gonna put on a little but that extra layer of tissue actually helps support and protect the joints when training heavy for growth (deads, squats, etc.) Powerlifters are rely on the extra little bit (or a lot in some cases). The cleaner you eat, the easier it will be on the back end when you start dieting. But at the end of the day....you have to find what works for you...advise from someone else is good, but it's what works for that individual. Not you....you have to find that. Cell Basics