Lions WR Ne'Ronte Threatt turns emphasis to blocking

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September 5, 2012

Lions WR Ne'Ronte Threatt turns emphasis to blocking

By Jim Henry Globe Sports Editor The Joplin Globe Wed Sep 05, 2012, 11:43 PM CDT

PINEVILLE, Mo. — Missouri Southern’s Ne’Ronte Threatt moved into the top 10 on the career receiving list during his first three seasons with the Lions.

But Threatt, from Texarkana, Texas, earned recognition for his blocking during the Lions’ 25-20 season-opening victory last Thursday night at Central Oklahoma.

“Ne’Ronte Threatt now has the chop ax this week, which means he got the most legal cut blocks and executed them very well,” Lions coach Daryl Daye said.

Asked how many times he has received laurels for his blocking, “Not many,” Threatt answered, “but that’s a part of the thing we have to do right now, so I was pretty proud of having seven chip blocks. I did not feel like I had seven, but as a unit, we pride ourselves on chop blocking.”

The change to a triple option offense calls for more blocking on the perimeter, and it’s a role that Threatt seems to enjoy.

“It’s kind of easy getting a 230-pound linebacker on the ground with a chop block,” he said.

Threatt admitted he misses catching several passes each game.

“But I like blocking even more right now,” he said.

Injuries to offensive linemen limited the Lions’ scrimmaging during preseason practices, and that cut back on the receivers’ chances to block.

“We hadn’t been able to work on cut blocking, and it takes a little time to work on that,” Daye said. “It will only get better as they go on and get to work on it and get in better game shape.”

The Lions open their home slate Saturday night against Northeastern State from Tahlequah, Okla. Kickoff is at 6 at Fred G. Hughes Stadium.

The RiverHawks, playing in the MIAA for the first year, lost their opener at home 41-20 to Pittsburg State.

Previewing the NSU defense,” They have some pretty good players,” Threatt said. “The free safety, Victor Johnson (a transfer from Oklahoma State), he is a pretty good safety. And I think if we can get him on the ground, we will be pretty good.”