Pac-12 media day: Nelson Spruce ready to step up for Colorado

Nelson Spruce is moving to the forefront.

With Paul Richardson gone to the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks after leading Colorado in catches last season, Spruce is expected to emerge as the Buffaloes’ top receiver.

Spruce, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound junior who played at Westlake High, had 55 receptions last season, four for touchdowns.

“I feel like I’ve done pretty well, but these next two years I’m stepping into a bigger role,” Spruce said Thursday during Pac-12 Conference media day. “I feel like to be really happy with my career I need to take it to the next level.”

Spruce will try to help Colorado become a contender in the Pac-12 South division, which includes UCLA, USC, Arizona State, Arizona and Utah.

Colorado finished 4-8 overall and 1-8 in conference play last season under first-year Coach Mike MacIntyre. The Buffaloes defeated Colorado State, Central Arkansas, Charleston Southern and California.

“We were competitive in many of our games last year,” Spruce said, adding, “If we can learn from what made us competitive, I think we can squeeze out some of those games.”

Twitter: @LATimesklein