TCU’s Patterson raves about what Nebraska transfer JD Spielman brings to team
TCU lost its most dynamic playmaker this offseason when Jalen Reagor bolted for the NFL.
Reagor, despite an underwhelming 2019 season, led the Horned Frogs with 611 yards receiving on 43 catches and was a home run threat as the team’s punt returner.
TCU may have found his replacement, though. Coach Gary Patterson raved about Nebraska transfer JD Spielman during the Big 12 football coaches teleconference on Monday.
Patterson mentioned Spielman stepping in as the team’s primary returner as well as praising his influence in other ways.
“He’s a good specialist,” Patterson said. “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.”
That positive energy has rubbed off on teammates.
As fellow receiver Taye Barber said when asked about Spielman, “He ups everybody’s game with what he does at practice. He’s a great football player. I’m just so glad he’s at TCU. We can do so many things on the offensive side with him on our team.”
Patterson, who became a recording artist and released two songs this offseason, went on to compliment Spielman’s music endeavors.
“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,” Patterson said. “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.”
Spielman had three consecutive 800-yard receiving seasons for the Cornhuskers, leading the team with 49 catches for 898 yards and five touchdowns last season. He is the son of Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman.
Spielman has earned preseason recognition, including being named to the Senior Bowl’s Top 250.
Brooks on D
Speaking of transfers, Patterson also discussed LSU transfer Marcel Brooks joining his defensive unit.
Brooks, a five-star recruit coming out of Flower Mound Marcus, has the ability to play on all three levels of the defense. However, it sounds as though he’ll be lining up mostly as a pass rusher and linebacker for TCU.
Patterson also mentioned the impact Brooks can make on special teams.
“He’ll be a specialized person as he keeps learning the system,” Patterson said. “He’s a big time player on special teams because of his athletic ability and he’s a guy that can play linebacker and defensive end which is also what he did for LSU when he was there.”
Briefly
▪ TCU has won 18 consecutive home openers, which is tied for the nation’s eighth-longest active streak.
▪ TCU leads the all-time series against Iowa State 8-3, including a 5-3 mark since joining the Big 12.
▪ TCU is 89-24 under Patterson in home games at Amon G. Carter Stadium.
This story was originally published September 22, 2020 at 6:00 AM.
