Colorado Freshman Julian Lewis Ready For Quarterback Battle To Replace Shedeur Sanders

The Colorado Buffaloes have begun their spring football practices, giving freshman quarterback Julian Lewis the first opportunity to speak to CU media. Lewis discussed why he flipped to Colorado from USC, his teammates, and the quarterback battle.

Oct 20, 2023; Carrollton, GA, USA; Carrollton Trojans quarterback Julian Lewis (10) watches on from the sidelines against the Westlake Lions during the first half at Grisham Stadium. The 15-year-old Carrollton High student has already committed to playing for the University of Southern California Trojans and has been considered one of the top high school quarterback prospects. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-Imagn Images / John David Mercer-Imagn Images

The Colorado Buffaloes made a big move in the fall, flipping four-star quarterback Julian Lewis. Lewis was originally committed to the USC Trojans before Colorado coach Deion Sanders secured the flip.

The Buffaloes began their spring football practices, where Lewis had the chance to speak to the media for the first time as a Colorado player. Lewis discussed what pushed him to flip to Colorado.

“Honestly, I think looking at it, it was the building process of the organization, the program just trying to build up from Coach Prime getting here to them building their record and doing all the stuff they’ve done. It was hard to pass up the opportunity to come here under Prime,” Lewis said. 

Oct 20, 2023; Carrollton, GA, USA; Carrollton Trojans quarterback Julian Lewis (10) watches on from the sidelines against the Westlake Lions during the first half at Grisham Stadium. The 15-year-old Carrollton High student has already committed to playing for the University of Southern California Trojans and has been considered one of the top high school quarterback prospects. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-Imagn Images / John David Mercer-Imagn Images

With former Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders off to the NFL, the Buffaloes are looking for a new starter in the fall. Lewis is coming in as a four-star recruit, the No. 56 player in the nation, the No. 7 quarterback, and the No. 7 player from Georgia, per On3. There is excitement surrounding Lewis, but he will have to compete for the starting spot.

Lewis spoke about what it means to have met Sanders and get to know him.

“It is definitely a blessing for me to have a guy like him that just came over the top of me,” Lewis said. “Just looking at it from another black quarterback is always good to hear from. Even the older guys that have retired understanding their path. It’s humbling.”

The Buffaloes also have quarterback Kaidon Salter, transfer from from Liberty. Salter has the experience, earning three years of significant playing time. In 2024, Salter finished the season with 1,886 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and six interceptions. 

The Buffaloes also have sophomore quarterback Ryan Staub returning, who will have the opportunity to compete for the role. Staub’s advantage is being with the program last season and already knowing many of the other players.

Oct 20, 2023; Carrollton, GA, USA; Carrollton Trojans quarterback Julian Lewis (10) passing against the Westlake Lions during the first half at Grisham Stadium. The 15-year-old Carrollton High student has already committed to playing for the University of Southern California Trojans and has been considered one of the top high school quarterback prospects. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-Imagn Images / John David Mercer-Imagn Images

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Lewis is a young player who reclassified to the class of 2025. Lewis spoke about why he chose to reclassify.

“That was always the goal, to skip that last year of high school football,” Lewis said. “I felt like high school football didn’t have much more for me, even if it meant me coming in (to a college program) and competing for a job young. I just felt like it would be best for me to get in here as early as possible.”

Lewis spoke about his goals for the spring but also discussed his mindset in what is being deemed a quarterback battle. While the players will be competing for the starting spot, he is enjoying the time working with the other quarterbacks.

“Honestly, just to grow and get stronger, learn the offense. Of course, everybody thinks it is a quarterback battle and stuff like that, but we have such great quarterbacks in the room and such great personalities,” Lewis said. “I just love being around the guys every day and just happy to be here.”

Dec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders reacts with an official after a play during the second quarter against the Brigham Young Cougars at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Lewis elaborated on his teammates, discussing the wide receivers that have stepped up. Lewis singled out wide receivers Terrell Timmons, Omarion Miller, and Drelon Miller.

“Big (Timmons) kind of holds down the fort. If you are doing something wrong, he is going to tell you. ‘O’ (Omarion Miller) has been hurt. ‘Dre’ (Drelon Miller) has definitely been one of the big targets this year,” Lewis said. “I think everybody understands he is one of our top receivers, so being able to be around them every day has been good.”

While Sanders is the coach discussed the most in the program as the head coach, offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur and Lewis have spent the most time together. Lewis spoke about what it has meant to work with Shurmur.

“Coach Shurmur is a great guy. Of course, going into it, I knew it was going to be him and me in the room. I know it is Coach Prime’s organization, but I spend all my time with Coach Shurmur, so we have no choice but to build our relationship,” Lewis said.

“He has that former NFL mindset. He gets wild sometimes, but coming in young, I feel like that is what I needed, someone to put you in your place and help you on the path.” 

There is no guarantee that Lewis will get to start right away, but he is working hard to learn the offense and is prepared to compete for the role. While Lewis is just 17 years old, he is showing maturity and believes he is ready to play collegiate-level football. 

"I just want to go in and ball out," Lewis said. "I think that's everybody's goal is to come in here and win."

Sanders is not a coach who is looking to bring in the most recruits in the nation. He looks for those who are ready to come in and compete. Sanders pushing hard to recruit Lewis in the fall demonstrates the kind of quarterback Lewis is.

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