Playing football is in Treshaun Ward’s genes. The 12-year-old’s uncle is Wayne Ward, head coach of Plant City High School and a former player at Virginia Tech. Treshaun plays running back, linebacker and safety for the Turkey Creek Trojans JV team, which he led to a Super Bowl win in Raymond James Stadium last year. He rushed for 22 touchdowns and more than 1,500 yards last fall. He also holds the highest GPA among sixth-graders at Tomlin Middle and the second highest in Hillsborough County.
How long have you been playing football?
Six years
Have you always played for Turkey Creek?
No. I used to play for the Plant City Dolphins. I came to Turkey Creek last year.
What do you like about football?
That you can hit people and score touchdowns and go to Super Bowls.
What was it like to win the Super Bowl last year?
It was fun. We lost the year before (with the Plant City Dolphins), so I was happy to win it.
How did you get into playing football?
Since my brothers started playing football, my uncle wanted me to play.
What have you learned from your uncle about the game and especially the running back position, which he played at Plant City High and Virginia Tech?
He’s taught me how to carry the ball and run low and stride out when you’re in the open field. He’s also helped me with taking handoffs.
Are you excited about possibly playing for him when you get to Plant City High?
Yeah, but I know he’s going to put work on me if I get up there with him.
Do you play any other sports?
I play basketball.
What position do you play.
Shooting guard
What do you like about basketball?
I like shooting threes and doing crazy layups and stuff like that.
What skills do you want to improve on with football?
Working on my form of tackling and carrying the ball properly.
What position would you like to play when you get to high school?
Maybe linebacker or safety
Do you not to play running back?
Not really
What do you want to accomplish again this year?
Bringing them to the Super Bowl and going to play in the Tampa Bay Bucs Stadium again.
Do you want to play in college one day, and if so, do you have a particular school?
I’d like to either play for Oregon or Miami.
Do you have a player you look up to?
Ray Lewis, because I like his chants and the way he pumps up his team.