JD Spielman has temporarily stepped away from the Nebraska football team. The junior wide receiver is at home with family in Minnesota and is unlikely to take part in spring football, according to a release from the university.
“JD Spielman is dealing with a personal health matter currently, and at this time is not expected to participate in spring practices,” Coach Scott Frost said in the release. “Everyone’s focus right now is on JD’s well-being and providing him with the appropriate support. We anticipate JD returning to the team in time for summer conditioning.”
The Huskers do not expect Spielman’s eligibility to be affected by his temporary absence from the team.
Spielman started all 12 games as a junior in 2019, leading the Huskers in receptions (49), receiving yards (898), receiving touchdowns (5) and all-purpose yards (1,038). His 898 receiving yards were a career high for Spielman and also ranked sixth on Nebraska’s single-season list.
Nebraska confirmed the news that place-kicker Barret Pickering has left the team. Additionally, receiver Jaevon McQuitty also plans to retire from football. Both plan to pursue medical exemptions.
Spielman’s temporary absence and the departure of McQuitty leaves Nebraska and new offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach Matt Lubick with eight scholarship wide receivers to work with depending on Spielman’s return. That includes five that signed in the 2020 recruiting class. He’ll have Alante Brown (FR), Jamie Nance (rFR), Demariyon Houston (rFR), Wan'Dale Robinson (SO) to work with this spring.
Nebraska kicks off spring football on Monday, March 9.
