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Nebraska Football: 3 bold predictions for JD Spielman in 2019

By Danny Jaillet

EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 09: University of Nebraska WR JD Spielman (10) runs after a catch during a college football game between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Oregon Ducks on September 9, 2017, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, OR. (Photo by Brian Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 09: University of Nebraska WR JD Spielman (10) runs after a catch during a college football game between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Oregon Ducks on September 9, 2017, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, OR. (Photo by Brian Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – OCTOBER 28: Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver JD Spielman (10) searches for a seam in the Purdue Boilermakers defense during the Big Ten conference game between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Nebraska Cornhuskers on October 28, 2017, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – OCTOBER 28: Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver JD Spielman (10) searches for a seam in the Purdue Boilermakers defense during the Big Ten conference game between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Nebraska Cornhuskers on October 28, 2017, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Spielman will tally at least 1,000 yards

With increased responsibility in the passing game, Spielman should also receive an uptick in his receiving yards. He is one of Nebraska football’s biggest big-play threats and he has the ability to spread the ball down the field. In addition to taking over the production from Stanley Morgan, I could see him filling the role that Stanley Morgan used to provide for the Nebraska football offense: a prime-time playmaker.

Last season, Morgan became Nebraska’s first 1,000-yard receiver. Truth be told, if Spielman was the recipient of a few more passes, he could have joined Morgan in that distinction. Spielman had 818 yards on the year and averaged 12.5 yards per catch. A 75-yard grab was his longest of the season. Although he is not the biggest wideout at five-foot-nine, 185 pounds, he uses it to his advantage. He is very quick and can make sharp cuts to affect the timing of defensive backs. Once he gets an advantage on his defenders, forget about it. His speed allows any big-play pass to become an opportunity for a house call. Those traits should serve him well next season.

The combination of experience and playing time should allow Spielman to become the program’s second 1,000-yard receiver. The situation is certainly working in his favor and I truly believe he is a Biletnikoff Award candidate. Having a quarterback with the tools that Adrian Martinez has should also help Spielman’s case.

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