INDIANAPOLIS — Nelson Spruce’s college career requires no embellishment. No University of Colorado receiver can match his statistics. But those numbers don’t matter as much this week at the NFL combine. Spruce must show he can stack up physically with the nation’s best as he tries to improve on draft projections which predict him to go in the mid rounds.
Former CU star receiver Nelson Spruce hopes to run 4.5 at the NFL combine on Saturday. (Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post)
“I think people underestimate me athletically. I have the numbers, my production was there on the field. I am looking to go out on Saturday and show that I have the athleticism to back that up,” Spruce said Thursday.
Spruce has met informally with Broncos officials, and represents an interesting consideration for many teams. He began his career as a slot receiver, but spent plenty of snaps on the outside following Paul Richardson’s knee injury. He said he’s comfortable in either role after his measurables came in at 6-foot-1, 206 pounds. His goal is to run the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds, which could help his draft status.
Spruce doesn’t lack for confidence, a strong trait in a pre-draft process that preys on mental and physical blemishes.
“I think I am just a really reliable receiver. I run precise routes. The quarterback can count on me to be in the right place at the right time,” said Spruce, who will train in Irvine, Calif., before returning to Boulder for CU’s Pro Day. “I think my hands are second to none. If the ball is thrown to me I will make the catch.”
