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Former Ole Miss star Laquon Treadwell out to prove doubters wrong in second NFL season
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His first foray into the NFL did not go well for Laquon Treadwell.
The former Ole Miss receiver caught just one pass for 15 yards in his first season with the Minnesota Vikings. A first-round draft pick, Treadwell was expected to become a star receiver for a team that desperately needs one.
Treadwell struggled with injuries in his first season, however, and did not see the field much at all. He still reportedly felt some of the after effects of his brutal 2014 injury in the Rebels’ loss to Auburn. Now, Treadwell is focused on putting the past behind him and making his mark on the league.
“A lot of people wish they were in my position, and I take it as a blessing,” Treadwell said, according to Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press. “I continue to work hard. Everybody has a story; everybody goes through something to get where they need to be.”
At Ole Miss, Treadwell emerged as one of the SEC’s top receivers. In his final season with the Rebels, he led the conference with 1,153 yards and 11 touchdowns on 82 catches.
A savvy player, Treadwell doesn’t rely solely on athleticism to beat defenders. This quality should help him come back from those nagging injuries even if he isn’t 100 percent back to his former self. Thus far, he’s making a good impression on his teammates.
“Tread, he’s made some really nice plays this spring,” quarterback Sam Bradford said. “So far, he looks like he’s in great shape. He’s running good routes, and it’s nice to see him go up and make some competitive catches, especially the ones down the field like he’s done a few times already.”
He’s got plenty of motivation heading into the 2017 season, as some are already calling the receiver a bust. Once he gets onto the field, Treadwell is ready to prove them all wrong.
“(The talk) doesn’t irk me at all because I go out there every day and I know what I can do and I see my potential and I see everything right in front of me, so I don’t really worry about the naysayers,” Treadwell said.
“I believe a lot of things are going to happen that nobody expects from me.”
