Treadwell eager for comeback
OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze has an unusual wish for star receiver Laquon Treadwell.
“In a strange kind of way,” Freeze said. “I’m looking forward to seeing him get tackled.”
Because once Treadwell catches the ball Saturday against Tennessee Martin, gets knocked to the ground and bounces back up, it will prove he’s back 10 months after suffering a gruesome broken leg and dislocated ankle that altered the Rebels’ 2014 season.
“I’m ready to score” a touchdown, Treadwell said. “I’m ready to feel that atmosphere all over again.”
The 17th-ranked Rebels need Treadwell to be just as dominant as he was last fall.
Even though he missed the final three games, he still led the team with 48 catches for 632 yards and five touchdowns. His breakthrough sophomore year was cut short in agonizing fashion when he was tackled from behind against Auburn as he
Star wide receiver about to see first action since broken leg in 2014 was trying to score a crucial late touchdown.
In a moment that was replayed for months, Treadwell’s leg bent at an awkward angle, he fumbled and Ole Miss ended up losing. Just like that, the program’s hope of earning a spot in the inaugural college football playoffs was essentially over.
Treadwell’s return is one big reason Ole Miss believes it will have another chance this year.
Ole Miss cornerback Tee Shepard has been going against Treadwell throughout fall camp and says the receiver is as dominant as ever.
He figures to be the top option among a group of receivers that includes Cody Core, Damore’ea Stringfellow, Quincy Adeboyejo and tight end Evan Engram. Shepard says Treadwell is in a class by himself because of a unique blend of talent and fundamentals.
“Treadwell is a beast, as everybody knows,” Shepard said. “He’s different than any other receiver I’ve been up against us, just because his technique by itself is phenomenal.”
The Rebels are also curious to see how Treadwell’s trimmer physique holds up on the field. He played at about 230 pounds last year, which allowed him to overpower opposing defensive backs but limited his top-end speed.
Now he’s 15 pounds lighter. Treadwell says he hasn’t lost any strength but feels faster. He’s also hopeful that a little less weight is good for his surgically repaired leg and ankle.
“I’m just ready to go live, run around out there and have fun,” Treadwell said.