Laquon Treadwell catches a pass during practice Monday. (DM Photo/Thomas Graning)
The receiving core for the Rebels took a big hit this off-season with Donte Moncrief entering the 2014 NFL Draft, but sophomore Laquon Treadwell is more than ready to come and fill the role as the top receiver on the depth chart.
The combination of Moncrief and Treadwell proved to be lethal last season as Treadwell gathered 72 catches for 608 yards and five touchdowns playing mainly in the slot position. Moncrief had 59 catches for 938 yards and six touchdowns playing on the outside.
This year, Treadwell will make the transition from playing in the slot to playing on the outside and take the role as the number one receiver.
“The difference for me being outside is running different routes and beating the defender,” Treadwell said. “I’m more explosive running down the field more. I’m using my body better and being able to block on the perimeter better. Doing more for the team.”
Treadwell and quarterback Bo Wallace have had a strong connection from the start. The first game of his freshman year against Vanderbilt, Treadwell proved to be worthy of being the number one receiver coming out of high school with nine catches for 82 yards to open up his college career.
Over the course of last season, Wallace struggled with his arm strength and delivery of the football because of a nagging injury to his throwing shoulder. This year, Wallace is back at full strength – and it makes for a happy Treadwell.
“His arm is much stronger. His reads are a lot easier. He can get the ball there,” Treadwell said. “He’ll allow you to come out of your breaks so the ball is there early and on time and not waiting on anything. You can tell the difference a lot.”
One of the concerns for this year’s team is the depth of the receiving core behind Treadwell. Senior Vince Sanders returns, but the rest of the receiving core is inexperienced. However, Treadwell sees a lot of positives from the young group.
“They’re hard workers, quick learners. They’re ready to play and anxious to get a chance and make a play,” Treadwell said.
With less than a week until the opener in Atlanta against Boise State, preparations for the Broncos have begun and film studying is well underway. Treadwell and the rest of the receivers have studied the Bronco cornerbacks and noticed some interesting things.
“Small,” Treadwell said. “I’m watching their coverage’s, and they like to stay on spot and they don’t really come up and get in on you. We should have a good day.”
Knowing the offense better has also helped Treadwell become a better player and knowing where his teammates will be every play.
“I know it all,” Treadwell said. “Quarterbacks, running backs, offensive line. I just pick up on stuff. Once it goes to one person, I immediately pick up on it. It’s not hard to learn.”
Treadwell is no stranger to playing in the spotlight in big games. He reeled in 81 catches for 1,424 yards and 16 touchdowns his senior year of high school and was named SEC freshman of the year last season. The spotlight of playing in Atlanta against Boise State to open in the season will be no different.
“I tell everybody that this is our coming out party,” Treadwell said. “We’re going to show everyone what we’re made of.”
-Dylan Rubino
