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Treadwell adjusting well to new position, noticeably improving

April 1, 2012
	<p>Then-center Blake Treadwell runs drills during 2011 spring football outside the Duffy Daugherty Football Buidling. Now a junior, Treadwell made the switch to left guard for the 2012 season. </p>

Then-center Blake Treadwell runs drills during 2011 spring football outside the Duffy Daugherty Football Buidling. Now a junior, Treadwell made the switch to left guard for the 2012 season.

Photo by Matt Radick | The State News

Blake Treadwell knows both sides of the line better than most — probably because he’s played three positions in four years for the MSU football team.

Starting his Spartan career at defensive tackle, the now-junior made the switch from a defensive lineman to an offensive lineman during spring football last year and started at center in MSU’s first three games in 2011.

Despite making a smooth transition from one side of the line to the other, Treadwell injured his knee during MSU’s 31-13 loss at Notre Dame and was forced to sit out the remainder of the season. But that wasn’t going to stop him from continuing to learn as much as possible about how the offensive line operates.

“When I was injured, (there was) a lot of film I watched,” he said. “Everyday, I was in there watching the guards (and) centers so whatever position I have to fill in, I’ll know what to do. It’s a little bit different going out and performing it, but at least I have an idea of where to go.”

With sophomore Travis Jackson taking over at center, Treadwell moved to left guard — replacing former Spartan Joel Foreman — and is listed as the expected starter on MSU’s spring depth chart.

In addition to spending much of his time watching film while out of the lineup, Treadwell said he was healthy by the time winter conditioning started up and is 100 percent healthy.

Because of his work in the offseason, head coach Mark Dantonio said Treadwell is continuing his transition from defense to offense with about four months total prior experience lining up as an offensive lineman.

“Blake’s picked up where he left off,” Dantonio said. “He’s working left guard; (he shows) toughness, effort, knows what to do, but … he missed last fall, so he knows it on paper, but he’s been an offensive lineman for a spring and an August camp.”

The Spartans began spring practices last week, and after two sessions without pads, they were in full gear for Friday’s practice.

Even after three practices, offensive coordinator Dan Roushar said Treadwell has improved since he was last on the field in September 2011, and Jackson agreed that with the help of his fellow linemen, Treadwell is making a successful change from center to guard.

“I think he’s getting more comfortable, and it’s a process,” Roushar said. “Every day, he’s taking a step forward. I thought (Friday) was better than it was Thursday and certainly better than Tuesday, so he’s learning.

“He’s physical, he’s a good athlete for playing in that area, so as he gets more sound and understands what we’re doing better, he’ll do it better.”

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