The Colorado QB competition in fall camp has been closer than many figured. It was assumed from the outset that Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter was the obvious choice over true freshman Julian "JuJu" Lewis due to the massive edge in experience. Salter started 29 games during his career at Liberty before transferring to Colorado for his final season of eligibility.
It's a major credit to the skill and the mindset of the freshman Lewis that this turned into a legitimate competition. And while it remains possible that both quarterbacks see playing time this season, Deion Sanders dropped the biggest hint yet on Friday during Colorado's Media Days that Salter would be his quarterback in 2025.
"The kid is going to cause havoc," Coach Prime said about Salter. "It's going to be a totally different type of offense from what you've seen us do in the past, cause we had a guy who could spin it tremendously. But don't underestimate his throwing ability."
Coach Prime once again mentioned during the same press conference that Colorado is going to be more effective running the ball this season. It won't take much to make that true, considering the Buffaloes finished last in the FBS a year ago in rushing yards per game. But the reason for Sanders thinking that way is the dynamic that Salter brings to the offense with his legs.
Salter produced over 1600 rushing yards combined over his final two seasons with Liberty, including a 1000+ yard rushing season in 2023. He may not have Shedeur Sanders' arm and accuracy, but he brings a dual-threat dynamic to the table that Colorado has not had through the first two seasons of the Coach Prime era.
Salter's running ability, plus a revamped offensive line could produce a lethal rushing attack for Colorado
Along with talking up Salter's dynamic ability, Deion Sanders also mentioned something about the offensive line that is music to the ears of Colorado fans everywhere.
Coach Prime mentioned that the offensive line has stood out - in a good way- during fall camp and that they have eight guys who could be legitimate starters up front. That's a major step in the right direction after two years of cobbling together the unit up front and hoping to find five competent bodies.
Now, Colorado's offensive line could be an actual strength of this team. Combine that with a deep stable of talented running backs, and arguably the most dynamic running QB in the country, and the Buffaloes could go from the worst rushing offense in the FBS to one of the best.
"We're gonna win differently, but we're gonna win," Sanders said.