Deion Sanders did not need Julian Lewis to do everything against Georgia Tech. He wanted his young quarterback to take a cue from one of basketball’s greatest point guards.
Speaking on the field before Colorado’s season opener, Sanders reached for a Magic Johnson comparison when asked what he wanted to see from Lewis.
“I just need him to be Magic Johnson tonight. Just distribute. Just distribute. Just do his thing and let all the rest of them take it a distance.”
The instruction put the emphasis on getting the ball to Colorado’s playmakers. Lewis could help the Buffaloes by creating opportunities for the players around him, allowing his receivers and running backs to turn those touches into something more.
For a young quarterback beginning a new season, it was also a public vote of confidence from his head coach.
“We’re not putting that much pressure on him. We just want him to relax and do what he’s gifted to do. And he has a gift.”
Lewis showed glimpses of that distributing ability on Colorado’s opening possession. He found Danny Scudero and Charlie Williams for first downs, moving the ball effectively before the drive stalled.
The Buffaloes also had an early opportunity following Boo Carter’s fumble recovery, but they could not finish that possession. After two near fumbles, Colorado faced fourth-and-goal from Georgia Tech’s 3-yard line. DeKalon Taylor gained two yards before being stopped at the 1 with 1:41 remaining in the first quarter. A brutal finish to a drive with promise.
Colorado and Georgia Tech finished the first quarter tied 0-0, with the Buffaloes still searching for the finishing touch to accompany their early flashes of ball movement. Georgia Tech also missed a 35 yard field goal.
Sanders’ pregame message extended beyond his quarterback. Asked what he wanted from his team at the beginning of a new journey, he pointed to its appetite for playing.
“Commitment to action. These guys are hungry. They love the game of football. They ain’t about all that NIL mess. They want to play some football. They going to play tonight.”
But his clearest individual assignment belonged to Lewis: distribute, trust the players around him and let his ability take over.
Coach Prime stuck with the NBA theme when asked about his own excitement, echoing Michael Jordan’s famous declaration upon returning from his first retirement.
“I’m back. That’s all I’m going to say. I’m back.”
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