Treadwell and Nkemdiche named to Maxwell, Bednarik Watch Lists

With 58 days left until kickoff of the Rebels’ September 5 home opener against Tennessee-Martin, preseason accolades for the Ole Miss football program show no signs of slowing down as two players were named to preseason watch lists Tuesday.

Robert Nkemdiche brings down Mississippi State running back Josh Robinson in the 2014 Egg Bowl. (Photo credit: Bentley Breland, The Rebel Walk)

Wide receiver Laquon Treadwell is one of 80 offensive players who have been named to the Maxwell Award preseason watch list, and defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche is one of 78 defensive players listed chosen for the preseason watch list for the Chuck Bednarik Award.

The Maxwell Award is given to college football’s most outstanding player, while the Bednarik Award goes to the sport’s best defensive player.

Last month, both players were named to the preseason first-team All-American list by Athlon Sports, and each can make an argument for being the best at his position after coming off solid 2014-15 campaigns at Ole Miss.

Treadwell, who dislocated his left ankle and fractured his fibula in last season’s 35-31 home loss to Auburn, is expected to be ready for fall practice. The sensational receiver had 632 yards and five touchdowns last season and is currently 13th in school history in career receptions (120).

In 2014 Nkemdiche recorded 35 total tackles with 11 of them recorded as unassisted. The 6-foot-4, 296 pound Nkemdiche also had four tackles for loss.

In his first big board rankings for the 2016 NFL Draft, ESPN’s Mel Kiper currently has Nkemdiche going No. 4 overall and places Treadwell at No. 7.