TCU football: JD Spielman is expected to return in 2021, others face decisions
JD Spielman is coming back for another season of TCU football, a source said Monday.
Spielman, who joined the Frogs as a transfer out of Nebraska last offseason, will take advantage of the NCAA freezing eligibility this fall amid the coronavirus pandemic. Spielman joins others such as defensive tackle Corey Bethley and offensive lineman Blake Hickey returning for an extra season.
A source said offensive lineman Austin Myers is still undecided of whether to return to TCU for the 2021 season, pursue a professional career or possibly transfer.
The deadline for early entrants to declare for the 2021 NFL Draft is today. Seniors have until March 1 to make a decision.
Spielman is a notable returnee for the Frogs given his high-profile arrival to the program last offseason. Spielman, the son of Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman, left Nebraska as one of its top wide receivers in program history.
Spielman became the top option at punt returner to open the season, and also started at wide receiver in the season opener against Iowa State. But he battled injuries, playing in just three games.
Spielman finished with 56 yards receiving on five catches, along with 28 yards rushing on four carries. He also averaged 11.4 yards on seven punt returns.
Junior Derius Davis emerged as an elite returner in Spielman’s absence, so TCU should have depth and competition for that role next season. Davis averaged 14.5 yards per return, including returning two punts for touchdowns.
Along with Spielman, Bethley is a significant returner. He has been a staple as a starting defensive tackle since his sophomore season in 2018. But Bethley sustained a season-ending injury early on in 2020, playing in just four games.
Hickey, meanwhile, is a former walk-on who is one of the strongest players on the team. He found his way into the starting lineup the last three games of 2020. Horned Frog Blitz publisher Jeremy Clark first reported that Hickey would return.
Myers appears to be a wild card to return. He opened the season as the Frogs’ starting left tackle and also started at right guard. His versatility would likely be an attractive asset for TCU next season, although he wouldn’t be guaranteed a starting spot.
As far as players opting for the NFL Draft, TCU had two safeties declare as early entrants earlier this month. Redshirt sophomore Ar’Darius Washington and junior Trevon Moehrig are both turning professional. Moehrig, the 2020 Jim Thorpe Award winner, is viewed by some experts as the top safety prospect in the 2021 class.
Junior tight end Pro Wells also declared for the NFL Draft.
As far as seniors, linebacker Garret Wallow and tight end Artayvious Lynn are pursuing pro careers rather than taking advantage of the NCAA freezing eligibility this year. Other seniors such as offensive linemen T.J. Storment and Kellton Hollins have entered the NCAA transfer portal to finish their college eligibility elsewhere.
The NFL Draft is scheduled for April 29-May 1 in Cleveland.
Coleman honored
TCU freshman defensive end Khari Coleman earned another postseason honor on Monday.
The Football Writers Association of America named Coleman to its Freshman All-America Team. Coleman led all freshmen nationally and was seventh overall with 15 tackles for loss in 2020.
Along with Coleman, other notable players on the FWAA’s Freshman All-America Team included Tulsa offensive lineman and North Crowley product Tyler Smith; Arkansas defensive back and Mansfield Legacy product Jalen Catalon; Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler; Oklahoma receiver Marvin Mims; and SMU running back Ulysses Bentley IV.
This story was originally published January 18, 2021 at 10:36 AM.
