Nebraska Football - Roster Changes and Spring Practice Starts March 9

The Nebraska football team released some news on the roster for the spring semester. Some of these were known, but there were two surprises - both regarding receivers.

From the press release:

Senior receiver JD Spielman is away from the football team temporarily and at home with family in Minnesota. Spielman is unlikely to take part in spring football.

“JD Spielman is dealing with a personal health matter currently, and at this time is not expected to participate in spring practices,” Nebraska Head Coach Scott Frost said. “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.”

We already knew that Barret Pickering was retiring from football, but today we learned that Jaevon McQuitty is also retiring. If both are granted medical exemptions, they would remain on scholarship but not count against the 85 scholarship limit.

A sophomore from Birmingham, Ala., Pickering kicked in 16 games over the past two seasons, but played in only four games in 2019 because of injuries. A junior from Columbia, Mo., McQuitty played in nine career games and had two receptions.

Another kicker is also leaving the team - this was also known previously, but made official.

Junior place-kicker Matt Waldoch has chosen to focus on school and be a member of the club soccer team and is no longer a member of the football team. Waldoch joined the Huskers during the 2019 season and kicked in the final two games.

Spring Football Starts March 9

The first of the allowed 15 spring football practices will be held on March 9. The Red-White game will be April 18, at 1 p.m.