Nelson Spruce

With Paul Richardson out of the picture after snagging 83 receptions for 1,343 yards and 10 scores last year, Spruce is set for a major promotion heading into 2014. He's easily Colorado's top returning receiver, boasting 55 catches for 650 yards and four touchdowns as a sophomore and 44 catches for 446 yards and three touchdowns as a freshman in 2012.Despite playing against three of the schedule's toughest defenses over the span, Spruce finished strong in the final five weeks of last year, totaling 29 catches for 347 yards and two scores, good for a projection of 70 catches for 833 yards and five scores over 12 games. That per-game production should increase in 2014 not only because of Richardson's departure, but also the progress of sophomore quarterback Sefo Liufau.

With star receiver Paul Richardson missing all of last season with a torn ACL, Spruce stepped in and led the Buffaloes in receiving as a freshman. He totaled 44 receptions for 446 yards and three touchdowns, all team-highs, while playing in all 12 games. Spruce capped the season off nicely, with a 10-catch, 98-yard performance against Utah, which included a trip to the endzone. Richardson is healthy and ready to return, so he’ll likely be the primary focus of the passing game in 2013, but Spruce should remain in the mix.

Along with Tyler McCulloch, Spruce is Colorado’s main hope at creating some wide receiver production this year. But with so much up in the air at quarterback and receiver for Colorado, there isn’t any reason to look for fantasy value here. Just keep an eye on him if you’re curious.