Florida’s secondary is considered one of the best in the nation, but Saturday’s opponent will threaten the Gators in a way Tennessee didn’t.
Ole Miss has a bevy of talent at the wide receiver position.
Florida’s defensive backs will have their hands full against the Rebels as they face their toughest challenge yet — shutting down Ole Miss wide receiver Laquon Treadwell.
Standing at 6-foot-2, Treadwell has made a name for himself the past two seasons in the Southeastern Conference.
But last year, his season was cut short when he broke his fibula and dislocated his left ankle reaching for the endzone against Auburn, sidelining him for the Rebels’ last four games.
In the nine games he did play, Treadwell was productive, snagging 48 catches for 632 yards and five touchdowns.
Working hard through rehab, he was able to suit up for Ole Miss’ season opener.
And so far, he’s proved that he hasn’t lost a step.
In Ole Miss’ first four games this year, Treadwell has 22 receptions for 332 yards with one touchdown.
However, while he seemingly stands out from the rest of the Rebels, he isn’t the only wideout that UF’s secondary has to shut down.
"He’s not the only receiver, although how good he is," McElwain said. "He obviously stands out and should be noticed, but they’ve got other guys, too."
McElwain believes Ole Miss’ group of wideouts — including Cody Core, Quincy Adeboyejo, Damore’ea Stringfellow and Markell Pack — could cause damage if the Gators zero in on Treadwell.
Those four each have at least 10 receptions and a touchdown this season, and they each present a danger to Florida’s defensive backfield.
"They’re going against these big, tall, fast wide receivers," McElwain said.
"We’ll see how they handle that."
The Gators will need to bring a strong pass rush, pressuring Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly into making errant throws.
Like the team has emphasized all season, if UF’s front seven can apply pressure, the secondary will have a much easier job limiting Ole Miss’ opportunities to throw downfield.
Florida safety Keanu Neal said he thinks the team is up to the challenge of locking down Treadwell, but also admitted that the Rebels receiver impressed him with his aggressive, physical style of play.
"He likes to get at you, get in your face," Neal said. "He’s a smash mouth-type receiver.
"I honestly like it about him."
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UF safety Keanu Neal makes a tackle during Florida's 28-27 win against Tennessee on Sept. 26, 2015, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
