CRETE | It's hard to imagine someone who is 6-foot-4 and still growing, who can dunk a basketball and leap high into the air, is afraid of heights.
But such is the case for Crete-Monee wide receiver LaQuon Treadwell.
"I don't know how, it just started when I was little," Treadwell said. "I cannot look down when I am more than a few floors up. When I went on a roller coaster, I had to look up, not down because I am scared of being up high."
He said when he goes to a shopping mall, he cannot walk on the inside railing and he has not been to the top of either the Willis Tower or the John Hancock Building.
While Treadwell has acrophobia, a fear of heights, he has performed like an acrobat, catching more passes than any Crete-Monee player in a single season. The junior caught 75 for 1,391 yards and 18 touchdowns in helping lead Crete-Monee to a perfect regular season and a 10-1 record overall.
For his accomplishments, Treadwell is The Times Offensive Player of the Year. On defense, he had 23 solos, 23 assists, including 10 tackles for loss. He also had eight sacks. His skills have not gone unnoticed as Michigan and Notre Dame have offered him scholarships.
Treadwell had the ability to stretch the field and to turn a short pass into a big gain or score with his speed.
"Quon is a special player, the type that is physically gifted, loves to compete, and has a solid understanding of the game," Crete coach Jerry Verde said. "Quon is a game changer, not only on offense, but also on the defensive side of the ball. His toughness and athleticism allow him to play any position."
Treadwell knew he would be an integral part of the Warriors' no-huddle offense, but he never thought with a cast of talented receivers, quarterback Marcus Terrell would hit him so many times.
"No, I didn't think I would catch 75 passes," Treadwell said. "I figured I'd get about 40-45 or more if we went deep into the playoffs. We just had a great offense and we had other guys like Lance (Lenoir) who could catch."
He said the no-huddle offense suited him fine, and once the team made the adjustments in the summer, it went well.
"Marcus, once we connected it was great," Treadwell said. "I knew he could throw to a spot and get the ball there and he knew if he threw to a spot, I would be there.
"It is great to have that kind of relationship."
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Treadwell said going through the recruiting process is fun, but also eye-opening. He said several schools besides Michigan and Notre Dame are showing interest and he is looking for the best fit.
"It is also about getting my education as well as playing football," Treadwell said. "My mom (Tami) and I are looking at that part because I know I need to get a degree because I know I will not play football forever."
Verde said Treadwell, who also plays basketball, isn't done growing nor has reached his full potential.
"As well as he has played over the last two years, I expect him to continue to improve," Verde said. "If he works hard in the weight room and on his speed training, he could be just about unstoppable."
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