TCU head coach Gary Patterson speaks highly of new addition, former Huskers WR JD Spielman
Gary Patterson sure sounds happy to have JD Spielman on the roster.
During the offseason, Spielman decided to end his career at Nebraska, hitting the NCAA transfer portal after spending four years with the Huskers — one as a redshirt season. It was a surprising move, considering the wide receiver had so much success in Lincoln, totaling 170 catches for 2,546 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Spielman also handled special teams duties at times throughout his career.
But, Spielman opted to spend his final year somewhere else, eventually landing at TCU. Now, with one year of eligibility remaining, the former Husker is looking to carve out a significant role for himself with the Horned Frogs. So far, he’s earned a lot of respect from his coach.
“Number one, I think he has a chance to be our starting punt returner; he’s a good specialist,” Patterson said, according to 247Sports. “He gives us a lot more flexibility to go to more personnel groups. He loves playing the game.
“He’s a very positive person. He respects everybody. I don’t know if you ever listen to his music, but he records and we play a couple of his songs out at our practice on our playlist. He really does a great job. He’s been a great addition to the TCU Horned Frogs — it’s been a lot of fun for us to have him.”
TCU is coming off a 5-7 season last year, missing bowl eligibility for just the third time under Patterson. Offense was an issue, with the Horned Frogs losing all six games in which they failed to score 30 points.
TCU is scheduled to open the season on Saturday against Iowa State.