Brennan Marion had a simple response to questions about the expectations facing Julian Lewis as Colorado prepares to open on the road tonight against Georgia Tech.
“Yeah, nobody ever rose to low expectations.”
For Colorado’s offensive coordinator, Lewis’ youth does not mean lowering the standard. Marion sees a quarterback who understands his ability and has begun developing the daily habits needed to make it translate.
The trip to Georgia adds another layer for Lewis, who gets an opportunity to play in his home state.
“Obviously, he knows the type of player he can be, the caliber of player that he’s been in the past, you know, from the high school level,” Marion said. “And then obviously, you know, going back home and you know, I know he he wants this game.”
But Marion’s strongest endorsement had little to do with Lewis’ high school reputation or the setting for the opener. It centered on what Colorado has seen from him on the practice field.
“The thing about Ju is the thing that we’ve been proud of him the most is he’s learned how to practice at a high level, not just play at a high level.”
Marion pointed to Lewis’ work last season as evidence that he already understands some of those responsibilities.
“He was a quarterback who was moving the ball down the field, completing passes, and not putting the ball in jeopardy,” Marion said.
The next step is turning those qualities into victories.
“So, he understands how to to win a football game. He has not done that yet. So, obviously, that’ll be the the challenge that presents itself this season for him.”
Lewis’ quick hands, ability to get the ball out and decision-making give Marion traits to build around. His mobility can help him escape trouble, but the coordinator’s focus is putting him in situations that highlight his strengths.
That approach also places responsibility on Marion to give his young quarterback an executable plan against Georgia Tech’s physical defense.
For Lewis, the encouraging part is that Marion has seen a willingness to do the work. He credited the quarterback with stepping outside his comfort zone and embracing what the staff has asked of him.
The expectations are high. Marion believes Lewis is learning how to prepare for them. We will find out shortly just how much Julian has progressed since he originally arrived in Boulder.
Colorado and Georgia Tech kicks off at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN.
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