Ole Miss Recruiting: Damarkus Lodge maybe the next Laquon Treadwell

Even after his season ended with four games remaining on the schedule, Laquon Treadwell still led the Rebels with 48 receptions. In 2015, he will look for new and returning talent to help him out. One 2015 prospect says he could be the next Treadwell for Ole Miss.

OXFORD – The season ending injury of Laquon Treadwell took a huge toll on the Ole Miss Rebels‘ offense. It not only affected the teams depth, but the morale of the team took a beating as well. This was quite noticeable in the Arkansas game. Treadwell played a huge factor this season. It was not only his production on the field, but the threat he posed to defenses was very intimidating. His presents alone forced double coverage, opening the door for the success of Cody Core, Evan Engram, and Quincy Adeboyejo. When he went down, that all changed.

There was still a glimmer of hope for the Rebels with Vince Sanders. The senior wide-receiver had always been under-the-shadows of Donte Moncrief and now Laquon this season. But, when Treadwell finished his season after the Auburn game, Sanders was just a few yards behind Treadwell in receiving yards. It took him just one game to surpass Treadwell. But, Sanders would also suffer a season ending injury during the Egg Bowl. This resulted in a huge blow to the receiver depth.

In the 2014 Peach Bowl, the Rebels could not amount to anything on offense. It was the worst performance by the offense this season. Yes, worse than the Arkansas game. Against TCU, Ole Miss only mustered 129 total yards on offense, and 120 of that came in the air. There is no question that the Rebels concerns on offense are the run game and the offensive line depth. But, a refresh of weapons in their receiver core will not hurt too.

Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

Next season, their will be promise in the Rebels’ offense. As for the wide-receivers, Sanders will be the only one not returning. Core, Adeboyejo, and Markell Pack will all be returning next season. Even though Engram is listed as a tight end, he is primarily incorporated into the receiver scheme. Treadwell is right on schedule to making his return during the 2015 spring practices. The targets of Pack and Adeboyejo were limited this past season, but don’t forget, these are former four-star prospects. So, the talent is there with these two.

There will also be new talent rolling onto the field next season. A name that will become very known to Rebel Nation in 2015 is Damore’ea Stringfellow. Stringfellow is a former Washington Huskie, and after a season with the Huskies, he made the decision to transfer, and chose Ole Miss over Nebraska. This all happened during the off-season of 2014, but due to NCAA transfer rules, Stringfellow was not able to play this past season. He will be eligible for the 2015 season, and his mold as a slot-receiver will be relief for Treadwell as wideout. In his freshman year at Washington, Stringfellow collected 20 catches for 259 yards, and add one touchdown on the season. Even though those numbers aren’t eye-catching, it is his reputation from high school that makes Stringfellow a huge asset to this offense.

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In high school, Stringfellow was named a 2012 Under Armour All-American. He was rated the No. 51 prospect in the country and No. 4 recruit in California by ESPN.com, which also ranked him the No. 6 wide-receiver in the nation. Stringfellow ranked as the No. 9 wide-receiver and No. 85 overall prospect by Rivals.com and the No. 11 wide-receiver and No. 98 overall prospect by Scout.com.

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The Next Laquon Treadwell

ORLANDO – Recent news has developed of a talented 2015 four-star receiver prospect showing interests in the Rebels. In June of 2014, Damarkus Lodge, out of Cedar Hill, Texas, committed to Texas A&M, and just three months later, he decommitted from the Aggies. He decided he was in no hurry with his recruitment. But now with February approaching, Lodge knows he will have to make his decision soon.

“I know I’ve got to speed it up soon because signing day is coming up pretty quick,” the four-star prospect said after Tuesday’s Under Armour All-America Game practice.

Damarkus Lodge during Under Armor All-America practices. (247Sports)

Due to his decision to explore other universities, this has opened the door for many of the top schools’ chances of landing Lodge. He currently has offers from 25 schools. This includes offers from LSU, Alabama, Baylor, USC, Texas, and Ole Miss, in which he is considering all of them.

“I just want to get down there and see what they are about,” Lodge said of Ole Miss. “I know Laquon Treadwell is down there and when he leaves, they are not going to have that guy. Our game is kind of similar. We are both big strong, receivers and I could step in and take his spot.”

Many Rebel fans may find that statement to be bold. But, Lodge has all the stats to backup his talent. He is a consensus four-star recruit, and is rated the 37th overall prospect in the nation. He is also rated as the No. 5 wide-receiver in the country. Lodge is currently listed as 6ft. – 2in., and 190 lbs. His size and strength is a perfect fit for his position. Lodge has amazing ball skills and has great ability to cause mismatches.

While attending Ceder Hill High School (the same school Quincy Adeboyejo attended), Lodge led the Longhorns to a 2014 UIL State Championship. He finished high school with 204 receptions, 3,750 receiving yards, and 72 receiving touchdowns. He also added 430 rushing yards, and five rushing touchdowns.

Lodge made an unofficial visit to Ole Miss during the Alabama game this past season. On December 28th, Lodge named Ole Miss his leader, and plans to make an official campus visit on January 23rd.

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