Patterson trying to make most of final season

BOULDER, Colo. - Travon Patterson hopes to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time.

The USC transfer has NFL aspirations but limited playing experience at the college level and just one year of eligibility remaining.

So while Patterson might be a newcomer to the Buffaloes' football program, he cannot afford to be patient. The speedy 5-foot-9, 175-pound wide receiver has felt a sense of urgency since he arrived in Boulder in late July.

Patterson actually decided he was going to transfer to Colorado before visiting the school.

"I really thought Boulder was a country town so when I came out here I wasn't expecting to see this," he said pointing to the Flatirons. "It is a great city. I am enjoying my experience out here."

Patterson caught 10 passes in four years at USC. He was expected to have a bigger role in the Trojans' offense this season after an excellent spring.

"With the NCAA sanctions going on at USC, I saw coming to Colorado as an opportunity for me to have a chance to play in a bowl game," Patterson said. "[Colorado offensive coordinator and quarterbacks] coach Eric Kiesau recruited me out of high school when he was at Cal. And [Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver] DeSean Jackson, who is a good friend of mine, played for Coach Kiesau at Cal. He told me to trust Coach Kiesau.

"One of my high school coaches knows [Anthony] Tucker, the offensive technical intern here. And I have known Scotty McKnight through a mutual friend (New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez). So some of the relationships I have kept pointing me in this direction. So here I am."

Patterson said that Colorado's offense is similar to USC's. But he has still logged a lot of hours in the film room the last six weeks.

"I have been hanging out with Scotty. He has welcomed me in and has showed me the ropes," Patterson said. "[Wide receivers] coach [Robert] Prince has also been a great help. He is a great coach. He can turn a defense inside out and knows exactly what coverages they are going to run."

Patterson is listed at the top of the depth chart in the Z-receiver group along with true freshman Paul Richardson. He is also going to serve as the Buffaloes' starting punt returner.

"I have the 2010 season. That's it," Patterson said. "I have to give it my all and help this team out. Last year was a down year for them but from the intensity and the work we have been putting in, I can see that we're ready to win. We are going to fight and leave it on the field every Saturday."