- Joined
- Jun 26, 2010
- Messages
- 6,668
http://www.simivalleyacorn.com/news/2017-05-26/Sports/Spruce_ready_to_bounce_back.html
Spruce ready to bounce back
Former Westlake wide receiver looks sharp on first day of OTAs with Rams
By Nate Smith
STAND TALL—Nelson Spruce, a Westlake High grad, walks off the field after practice with the Los Angeles Rams on May 22 at Cal Lutheran. BOBBY CURTIS/Acorn NewspapersNelson Spruce had never suffered an injury playing football in high school or college.
That changed once he suited up for the Los Angeles Rams.
Spruce, an undrafted free agent wide receiver out of Westlake High, posted six receptions for 51 yards and one touchdown in a memorable preseason debut against the Dallas Cowboys last year. He got hurt during the game, however.
The setback came at an inopportune moment for Spruce, a rookie at the time.
“It was a big blow,” he said.
Preseason games provide the best opportunities for unproven players—especially undrafted free agents—to showcase their talents.
Despite the untimely injury, the Rams saw enough to keep the receiver on board. Spruce missed the remaining three preseason games last year, but he made the final 53-man roster.
The injury bug, however, reared its ugly head again. While recovering from a sprained knee, he suffered a calf injury. The Rams shut him down for the rest of the season, placing him on injured reserve in November.
“It was tough, mentally, just staying into it,” Spruce said. “The other guys on IR, we formed a close group, and that helped us get through our different injuries.”
The 2016 season was not kind to Spruce, but last year is in the rearview mirror.
He feels better than ever.
“Everything feels fine. I feel 100 percent, no issues,” Spruce said. “I haven’t felt like that in a year almost.”
Spruce stood out on a field of professional athletes during Rams’ organized team activities on May 22 at Cal Lutheran.
He was flying all over the field, running crisp routes and snaring every spiral tossed in his direction.
Spruce is no stranger to having the ball nestled securely in his hands.
During his time at the University of Colorado Boulder, Spruce set a record for most career receptions in the Pac-12 Conference with 294 catches.
Cooper Kupp, a Rams’ rookie wide receiver out of Eastern Washington, spoke highly of Spruce.
“He’s a great guy, a great competitor,” Kupp said. “I’m really excited to be on the same team as him.”
Getting to practice is never an issue for Spruce.
“It’s almost surreal just because it feels like I’m back in high school again,” Spruce said. “I’m still living at my parents’ place. I’ll wake up and drive over here to the facilities. It’s kind of like a high school routine almost. It’s a unique experience.”
Spruce enjoys playing close to home, but he wants to earn the fans’ respect. After battling his way back from injuries, he’s motivated to play well in the fall.
“It’s been humbling for me,” Spruce said. “The past few years at high school or in Colorado, I’m used to coming off a big season production-wise and actually playing. This is the first season that I didn’t really touch the field because of an injury.
“At first it was tough, but it lit a fire in me a little bit.”
Spruce is hoping Rams’ quarterback Jared Goff can help keep the flame burning.
Goff, who played at California, met Spruce when both toiled in the Pac-12. They had a quality relationship before becoming teammates with the Rams.
“We are friends,” Spruce said. “Off the field we do a lot of stuff together.”
The Rams will hope the friendship off the field will translate into success on the field.
Goff, a second-year pro, is now the unquestioned starter.
The QB is constantly evaluating his game while trying to find ways to improve.
“I’m growing as a person, as a player and as a leader,” Goff said. “Everything is always evolving.”
For Spruce, the new season presents a new opportunity. He will have to prove himself all over again with a new coaching staff and greater expectations.
He’s not afraid of the challenge.
Spruce ready to bounce back
Former Westlake wide receiver looks sharp on first day of OTAs with Rams
By Nate Smith
STAND TALL—Nelson Spruce, a Westlake High grad, walks off the field after practice with the Los Angeles Rams on May 22 at Cal Lutheran. BOBBY CURTIS/Acorn NewspapersNelson Spruce had never suffered an injury playing football in high school or college.
That changed once he suited up for the Los Angeles Rams.
Spruce, an undrafted free agent wide receiver out of Westlake High, posted six receptions for 51 yards and one touchdown in a memorable preseason debut against the Dallas Cowboys last year. He got hurt during the game, however.
The setback came at an inopportune moment for Spruce, a rookie at the time.
“It was a big blow,” he said.
Preseason games provide the best opportunities for unproven players—especially undrafted free agents—to showcase their talents.
Despite the untimely injury, the Rams saw enough to keep the receiver on board. Spruce missed the remaining three preseason games last year, but he made the final 53-man roster.
The injury bug, however, reared its ugly head again. While recovering from a sprained knee, he suffered a calf injury. The Rams shut him down for the rest of the season, placing him on injured reserve in November.
“It was tough, mentally, just staying into it,” Spruce said. “The other guys on IR, we formed a close group, and that helped us get through our different injuries.”
The 2016 season was not kind to Spruce, but last year is in the rearview mirror.
He feels better than ever.
“Everything feels fine. I feel 100 percent, no issues,” Spruce said. “I haven’t felt like that in a year almost.”
Spruce stood out on a field of professional athletes during Rams’ organized team activities on May 22 at Cal Lutheran.
He was flying all over the field, running crisp routes and snaring every spiral tossed in his direction.
Spruce is no stranger to having the ball nestled securely in his hands.
During his time at the University of Colorado Boulder, Spruce set a record for most career receptions in the Pac-12 Conference with 294 catches.
Cooper Kupp, a Rams’ rookie wide receiver out of Eastern Washington, spoke highly of Spruce.
“He’s a great guy, a great competitor,” Kupp said. “I’m really excited to be on the same team as him.”
Getting to practice is never an issue for Spruce.
“It’s almost surreal just because it feels like I’m back in high school again,” Spruce said. “I’m still living at my parents’ place. I’ll wake up and drive over here to the facilities. It’s kind of like a high school routine almost. It’s a unique experience.”
Spruce enjoys playing close to home, but he wants to earn the fans’ respect. After battling his way back from injuries, he’s motivated to play well in the fall.
“It’s been humbling for me,” Spruce said. “The past few years at high school or in Colorado, I’m used to coming off a big season production-wise and actually playing. This is the first season that I didn’t really touch the field because of an injury.
“At first it was tough, but it lit a fire in me a little bit.”
Spruce is hoping Rams’ quarterback Jared Goff can help keep the flame burning.
Goff, who played at California, met Spruce when both toiled in the Pac-12. They had a quality relationship before becoming teammates with the Rams.
“We are friends,” Spruce said. “Off the field we do a lot of stuff together.”
The Rams will hope the friendship off the field will translate into success on the field.
Goff, a second-year pro, is now the unquestioned starter.
The QB is constantly evaluating his game while trying to find ways to improve.
“I’m growing as a person, as a player and as a leader,” Goff said. “Everything is always evolving.”
For Spruce, the new season presents a new opportunity. He will have to prove himself all over again with a new coaching staff and greater expectations.
He’s not afraid of the challenge.