Spencer Schwellenbach took his seat in front of a laptop Friday. Behind him in the Alex Gordon Training Complex were the sights and sounds of baseball — batting cages being rolled out, bats pinging, mitts popping.
The Nebraska baseball team opened official practice for the 2021 season Friday with a foot of snow on the ground outside and still unsure of when it would play its first game.
But the excitement is real. Just like the potential for the man who wears No. 1 in red and white.
Schwellenbach will be in the middle of everything for Nebraska this spring — in NU's defense as its shortstop; in the lineup with his experienced bat.
And now in a key role out of the Husker bullpen as he tries to make the transition from high-level position player to a big-time two-way threat.
"It takes a special person to be able to handle it," NU coach Will Bolt said. "You can't just put that on anybody, and I think Spencer is certainly up to the task."
Nebraska has dabbled with two-way players in recent seasons. Colby Gomes did it as a freshman. Current minor leaguers Jake Meyers and Luis Alvarado did as well, with varying levels of success.
There's reason to believe Schwellenbach could be the most successful of the bunch. He has natural arm strength — an "effortless" delivery on the mound, as Bolt put it, that translates from an elite-level infield arm.
The first time Schwellenbach took the ball as a pitcher, Bolt said, came last fall. He hadn't thrown off the mound since high school. And he was immediately in the mid-90s with his fastball and throwing three pitches for strikes.
"He's not necessarily going to do that every time out. But the strike-throwing ability has been there since high school," Bolt said. "He's got great stuff. There's really no other way around it."
A 6-foot-1, 200-pound junior, Schwellenbach was the 2018 Michigan high school player of the year before becoming a 34th-round draft pick by the Cleveland Indians.
He passed up pro ball to come to Nebraska, suffering an elbow injury after high school that kept him off the mound when he got to Lincoln. An offseason surgery after his freshman year kept him from pitching again, then a coaching change pushed that opportunity further down the road.
Finally, a summer conversation with Bolt put Schwellenbach on track to add to his game.
"I've always wanted to pitch, Coach Bolt (and) Coach Christy have wanted me to pitch, but it hadn't really got to the point where my arm has felt good enough to play shortstop and pitch," Schwellenbach said. "So this fall I threw some bullpens and saw some live innings, and felt pretty good."
While he hasn't pitched in a live game in nearly three years, his high school stats show the potential that Bolt and NU pitching coach Jeff Christy saw.
Over four high school seasons, Schwellenbach went 18-6 with a 0.73 ERA in 154 innings pitched, while recording five saves, 233 strikeouts and just 27 walks. As a senior, he struck out 88 in 56.1 innings with a 0.50 ERA.
Schwellenbach expects to come out of the bullpen early in the season, and will likely get the opportunity to close games in addition to his work at shortstop. And his .295 batting average and .415 on-base percentage last season make him a valuable piece in Nebraska's offensive attack.
The key, both player and coach said, will be to carefully monitor Schwellenbach's workload in practice to keep him as healthy and as fresh as possible.
That might mean not firing as many throws across the infield, or maybe not throwing a midweek bullpen session. But the workload will still be heavy, a challenge Schwellenbach said he's ready for.
"You've just got to put in more time and more effort," Schwellenbach said. "But I'm enjoying it."
On a revamped roster with improved depth across the board, playing time is no guarantee for anyone. But Schwellenbach might be as close to a sure thing as the Huskers have in Bolt's second season at the helm.
"He's going to have to go earn it like everybody else," Bolt said. "But I'll put my chips on the table with a guy that competes the way he does."
Penn State vs. Nebraska, 2.23

Penn State’s Sam Sessoms (3) is defended by Nebraska guard Thorir Thorbjarnarson (left) and Teddy Allen (top) during the first half Tuesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Penn State vs. Nebraska, 2.23

Penn State’s Myles Dread (2) celebrates after hitting a three-pointer to give the Nittany Lions a 10-point lead against Nebraska and guard Thorir Thorbjarnarson (34) in the second half Tuesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Penn State vs. Nebraska, 2.23

Nebraska's Teddy Allen (left) battles for the rebound with Penn State’s John Harrar (21) on Tuesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Penn State won 86-83.
Nebraska vs. Penn State 2.22

Nebraska's Sam Haiby (4) hugs teammate Whitney Brown after defeating Penn State on Sunday, February 21, 2021, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Nebraska vs. Penn State 2.22

Penn State's Maddia Burke (left) fouls Nebraska's Isabelle Bourne in the third quarter on Sunday, February 21, 2021, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Nebraska vs. Penn State 2.22

Penn State's Johnasia Cash (center) tries to escape from Nebraska's Kate Cain (second center) and Sam Haiby, after grabbing the offensive rebound in the fourth quarter on Sunday, February 21, 2021, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Nebraska vs. Minnesota 2.22

Nebraska takes the court to celebrate their three set sweep over Minnesota on Sunday, February 21, 2021, at the Devany Sports Center. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Nebraska vs. Minnesota 2.22

Nebraska's Lauren Stivrins (left) and Lexi Sun (center) block a shot by Minnesota's Stephanie Samedy (right) in the first set on Sunday, February 21, 2021, at the Devany Sports Center. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Nebraska vs. Minnesota 2.22

Nebraska's Lauren Stivrins (top left) celebrates with her team after a kill during a win against No. 5 Minnesota on Feb. 21.
Purdue vs. Nebraska, 2.20

Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg looks towards the bench as Purdue’s Jaden Ivey (23) and Trevion Williams (top) celebrate the three-pointer of teammate Sasha Stefanovic after a timeout was called during the second half Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Purdue vs. Nebraska, 2.20

In preparation for the upcoming high school state basketball tournament, seats in the lower bowl at Pinnacle Bank Arena are covered every other row as seen prior to the Nebraska-Purdue men's game on Saturday.
Nebraska vs. Minnesota, 2.19

Nebraska’s Madi Kubik (10) dives for an ace serve by Minnesota’s Adanna Rollins in the fourth set as teammate Kayla Caffey (top) looks on at the Devaney Sports Center on Friday.
Nebraska vs. Minnesota, 2.19

Nebraska’s Lexi Sun celebrates a kill by teammate Lauren Stivrins (not shown) to tie the score against Minnesota at 21-21 in the fourth set Friday at the Devaney Sports Center.
Nebraska vs. Minnesota, 2.19

Nebraska’s Riley Zuhn (16) attempts a kill against Minnesota in the third set on Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, at the Devaney Sports Center.
Nebraska vs. Maryland 2.14

Nebraska's Sam Haiby (center) and Ashley Scoggin (left) dive after a ball picked up by Maryland's Faith Masonius (center bottom) in the second quarter on Sunday, February 14, 2021, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Minnesota vs. Nebraska, 2.13

Nebraska's Dyland LeClair on the vault during a meet against Minnesota on Saturday at the Devaney Sports Center.
Minnesota vs. Nebraska, 2.13

Nebraska's Jake Bonnay in action on the floor exercise during a meet against Minnesota on Saturday at the Devaney Sports Center.
Minnesota vs. Nebraska, 2.13

Nebraska's Dylan Young dismounts from the parallel bars during a meet against Minnesota on Saturday at the Devaney Sports Center.
Illinois vs. Nebraska, 2.12

Illinois’ Ayo Dosunmu (11) tips the shot of Nebraska guard Trey McGowens (2) at the buzzer, sending the game into overtime Friday at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Illinois went on to win 77-72.
Illinois vs. Nebraska, 2.12

Nebraska forward Lat Mayen (11) celebrates his three-pointer along with teammate Derrick Walker during a game against Illinois Friday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Illinois vs. Nebraska, 2.12

Illinois’ Ayo Dosunmu (left) leaps past Nebraska forward Lat Mayen for a dunk during their game earlier this month at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Dosunmu had 10 points in the last 2:34 of regulation, then scored the first five in overtime to lead the Illini's rally in a 77-72 victory.
Illinois vs. Nebraska, 2.12

Nebraska guard Trey McGowens (right) hits the floor and loses the ball after coming into contact with Illinois’ Andre Curbelo (5) during the second half Friday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Illinois vs. Nebraska, 2.12

Nebraska's Eduardo Andre (35) reacts after Illinois’ Giorgi Bezhanishvili (not shown) was whistled for a technical foul during the second half Friday at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Andre was given a technical foul after the same play.
Wisconsin vs. Nebraska, 2.10

Nebraska forward Derrick Walker (13) fouls Wisconsin’s Tyler Wahl (5) going for a rebound in the second half on Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Wisconsin vs. Nebraska, 2.10

Nebraska guard Trey McGowens (2) is defended by Wisconsin’s Micah Potter (11), D’Mitrik Trice (0) and Tyler Wahl (right) in the first half Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Nebraska women's gymnastics 2.7

Chloè Lorange (right) executes a spin off the vault during a duel against Rutgers on Sunday, February 07, 2021, at the Devaney Sports Center. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Nebraska vs. Maryland, 2.6

Nebraska’s Kayla Caffey (3) is all smiles after her match-winning kill in a sweep of Maryland on Saturday at the Devaney Sports Center.
Nebraska vs. Maryland, 2.6

Nebraska’s Nicklin Hames (1) lifts a shot near the official's stand in the first set against Maryland on Saturday at the Devaney Sports Center.
Nebraska vs. Maryland, 2.6

Nebraska's Madi Kubik (10) tries to avoid hitting head coach John Cook as she chases a ball out of bounds Saturday at the Devaney Sports Center.
Nebraska vs. Maryland, 2.5

Nebraska’s Lauren Stivrins (26) goes for a second-set kill against Maryland on Feb. 5 at the Devaney Sports Center.
Nebraska vs. Maryland, 2.5

Nebraska’s Riley Zuhn (top right) and Kayla Caffey attempt a block against Maryland's Rainelle Jones (left) in the second set Friday at the Devaney Sports Center.
Nebraska vs. Maryland, 2.5

Nebraska’s Lexi Sun (11) celebrates a Husker point scored in the first set against Maryland on Friday at the Devaney Sports Center.Â
Nebraska vs. Maryland, 2.5

The Nebraska bench celebrates a Husker kill in the fourth set against Maryland on Friday at the Devaney Sports Center.
Nebraska vs Wisconsin 1.31

Nebraska's Peyton Robb (top) pins down Wisconsin's Josh Otto during the 165 lb weight class match on Jan. 31, 2021 at Devaney Sports Center.Â
Nebraska vs Wisconsin 1.31

Nebraska's Christian Lance is lifted up by his teammates after on Jan. 31 at the Devaney Sports Center.
Northwestern vs. Nebraska 1.23

Nebraska's Peyton Robb topples Northwestern's David Ferrante on Jan. 23 at the Devaney Sports Center.
Northwestern vs. Nebraska 1.23

Northwestern's Maxx Mayfield slams Nebraska's Caleb Licking on the mat on Jan. 23 at the Devaney Sports Center.
Ohio State vs. Nebraska, 1.16

Nebraska’s Kate Cain is surrounded by Ohio State's Gabby Hutcherson (left) and Kateri Poole on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Ohio State vs. Nebraska, 1.16

Nebraska’s Ashley Scoggin weaves her way through the defense of Ohio State's Ohio State’s Jacy Sheldon (4), Braxtin Miller (10) and Dorka Juhász (14) in the second half Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Minnesota vs. Nebraska, 1.8

Nebraska wrestler Liam Cronin (left) greets Minnesota’s Patrick McKee before the 125-pound match Jan. 8 at the Devaney Sports Center.
Michigan State vs. Nebraska, 1.2

Nebraska guard Trey McGowens (2) gets his second-half layup blocked by Michigan State’s Aaron Henry (0) on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Michigan State vs. Nebraska, 1.2

Nebraska guard Trey McGowens (2) gets his second-half layup blocked by Michigan State’s Aaron Henry (0) on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 12.31

Nebraska’s Sam Haiby (4) drives to the basket against Northwestern’s Courtney Shaw (15) and Lauryn Satterwhite (2) in the first half Thursday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 12.31

Nebraska’s Sam Haiby (4) eyes the basket as she scores just before the buzzer to give the Huskers a 65-63 win over Northwestern on Dec. 31 at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 12.31

Nebraska’s Whitney Brown (10) celebrates her second made three-pointer of the first half with teammate Kate Cain (31) on Thursday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Doane vs. Nebraska, 12.17

Nebraska's Trey McGowens (2) shoots over Doane’s Matt Hagedorn and Tyler Sullivan in their game earlier this season at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Doane vs. Nebraska, 12.17

Nebraska guard Thorir Thorbjarnarson (34) drives to the basket against Doane’s Max Masin (20) in the first half Thursday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Doane vs. Nebraska, 12.17

Doane’s Anthony Laravie (3) is defended by Nebraska's Trey McGowens (2), Thorir Thorbjarnarson (34) and Dalano Banton (45) as Doane's Alec Oberhauser (4) looks to help in the first half Dec. 17 at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Doane vs. Nebraska, 12.17

Nebraska Trevor Lakes (14), who made three three-pointers in the first half, celebrates a make against Doane on Thursday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Indiana vs. Nebraska, 1.10

Nebraska and Indiana join at the center of the court in a moment of unity before the start of Sunday's game at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Indiana vs. Nebraska, 1.10

Nebraska's Derrick Walker (13) dunks the ball over Indiana in the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Sunday.
Indiana vs. Nebraska, 1.10

Indiana's Race Thompson (25) battles Nebraska's Dalano Banton for a loose ball during their game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in January. Banton, who sprained his ankle in the Huskers' first workout back from their COVID-19 pause, is full-go for Saturday's game at Michigan State.
Indiana vs. Nebraska, 1.10

Nebraska's Trey McGowens (2) scores against Indiana's Trey Galloway in the first half at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Sunday.
Rutgers vs. Nebraska, 1.3

Nebraska's Ashley Scoggin (left) is blocked by Rutgers' Tekia Mack (middle) in the first quarter at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Jan. 3.
Rutgers vs. Nebraska, 1.3

Nebraska celebrates after its win against Rutgers at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Jan. 3.
Rutgers vs. Nebraska, 1.3

Nebraska's Sam Haiby celebrates as the clock winds down in the final seconds against Rutgers at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Jan. 3.
Nebraska vs. Minnesota, 1.19

Nebraska's Kate Cain (from left) and Ashley Scoggin try to take the ball away from Minnesota's Gadiva Hubbard in the second half Tuesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Nebraska vs. Minnesota, 1.19

Minnesota's Kadi Sissoko (from left) competes for a rebound with Nebraska's Whitney Brown and Bella Cravens in the second half Tuesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Nebraska vs. Minnesota, 1.19

Nebraska's Whitney Brown (left) scores against Minnesota's Kayla Mershon at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Jan. 19. Mershon, a former Husker, has started the last four games for Minnesota.
Nebraska vs. Minnesota, 1.19

Nebraska's Sam Haiby (right) battles for possession with Minnesota's Katie Borowicz in the first half Tuesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.Â
Doane vs. Nebraska, 12.17

Nebraska guard Trey McGowens (2) slams down two points against Doane as teammate Teddy Allen (0) looks on in the second half Thursday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Nebraska vs. Creighton, 12.14

Nebraska's Kate Cain (left) fights for a loose ball against Creighton's Mallory Brake during the first half Dec. 14 at Sokol Arena in Omaha.
Nebraska vs. Creighton, 12.14

Nebraska's Sam Haiby reacts from the bench during the second half Monday at Sokol Arena in Omaha.
Nebraska vs. Nevada, 11.26

Nebraska's Shamiel Stevenson is sandwiched by Nevada's Desmond Cambridge (left) and Tré Coleman in the second half Thursday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Nebraska vs. Nevada, 11.26

Nebraska forward Yvan Ouedraogo looks for room as he is defended by Nevada forwards Tré Coleman (left), Zane Meeks (top right) and guard Desmond Cambridge on Nov. 26 at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Nebraska vs. Nevada, 11.26

Nebraska guard Trey McGowens falls to the floor as he is defended by Nevada forward Robby Robinson during first half Thursday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Michigan vs. Nebraska, 12.25

Nebraska's Yvan Ouedraogo celebrates in the second half against Michigan on Friday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Michigan vs. Nebraska, 12.25

Nebraska's Trey McGowens (2) and Nebraska's Teddy Allen try to steal the ball from Michigan's Terrance Williams in the second half Friday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Contact the writer at cbasnett@journalstar.com or 402-473-7436. On Twitter @HuskerExtraCB.