With programs making starting quarterback decisions across the country, Deion Sanders has curiously yet to make that decision for Colorado. The longer the process drags out, the better chance true freshman Julian "JuJu" Lewis has at snatching the job away from Liberty transfer, and presumed starter, Kaidon Salter.
Even if Salter is named the starter as expected, Lewis has looked good enough during the spring and fall that he will have a role on this team in 2025. He's not going to spend the season standing on the sideline with a clipboard in his hand. OC Pat Shurmur will find ways to get him on the field, likely creating a "JuJu package" with plays they believe the freshman can execute at a high level.
Regardless of the decision that gets made between now and the 10 days before Colorado opens the season at home against Georgia Tech, it's clear that Lewis has made a big first impression on his coaches and his teammates.
On Tuesday following practice, two Colorado WRs had nothing but praise for the freshman QB.
WRs Sincere Brown and Hykeem Williams shower Julian Lewis with praise
FCS Campbell transfer Sincere Brown praised both of his quarterbacks, according to DNVR's Jake Schwanitz:
"Kaidon is very wise, very experienced. He can facilitate very well," Brown said. "Julian has a pure God given arm. From a talent standpoint, they both got it."
Florida State transfer WR Hykeem Williams was asked about which players had impressed him during fall camp. He didn't hesitate to give a shout-out to Lewis.
"I know for sure JuJu," Williams said. "He's that."
Brown and Williams were two key transfers for Coach Prime this offseason as the Buffaloes must replace a ton of production in the WR room. Colorado's four leading receivers from a year ago - Travis Hunter, LaJohntay Wester, Will Sheppard, and Jimmy Horn Jr. - are all gone.
Along with breaking in a new QB, Colorado's offense will look drastically different from a season ago. Sanders and OC Pat Shurmur have said they plan on running the football this year. It's a wise strategy with a dual-threat QB in Salter and a talented group of running backs, but at his core, Sanders likes to air the football out.
Will he be able to resist the temptation of utilizing Lewis's "God-given" arm to get the ball to Colorado's talented receivers?