What Colorado Buffaloes Quarterback JuJu Lewis Said About Shedeur Sanders Mentorship

The Colorado Buffaloes held their first spring practice of the season on Tuesday, and true freshman quarterback Julian Lewis spoke to the media afterwards. He was asked about his relationship with former Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

"It's definitely a blessing for me to have a guy like him. Me and Shedeur talked about it. We kind of came in different paths, like I didn't start off at [Jackson State] and all of that stuff. But just looking at it from another black quarterback is always good to hear from, even the older guys that have retired. Just understanding their path, it's humbling."

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. | John David Mercer-Imagn Images

Lewis and Sanders will not overlap during their respective careers with the Buffaloes, but the two quarterbacks interacted during Lewis' recruiting visits to campus.

As a recruit, Lewis was the No. 56 overall prospect, the No. 7 quarterback, and the No. 7 recruit from the state of Georgia, according to On3's Industry Rankings. He was recently named the National High School Quarterback of the Year by the National Quarterback Club. Lewis was also USA Today's High School Football Player of the Year. Safe to say, the former four-star recruit is bringing plenty of accolades with him to Colorado.

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Lewis was a longtime USC Trojans commit, but he flipped to the Buffaloes shortly before the Early National Signing Period in December of 2024. Months before Lewis signed with Colorado, a photo of Sanders handing Lewis the metaphorical keys to the Colorado program went viral.

At Big 12 media days before the 2024 season, Sanders spoke about Lewis potentially taking over for him.

"You know, Julian coming, he may be able to take over the reins, but I wouldn't be mad at that. Whoever is the next quarterback, it should be Julian, but he'll be like his new son," said Sanders.

However, Lewis is not the only quarterback on Colorado's roster looking to replace the hole left by Sanders' departure to the NFL Draft. The Buffaloes brought in former Liberty signal-caller Kaidon Salter from the transfer portal, meaning Lewis and Salter will be competing for the starting quarterback role. Lewis also spoke to the media about his mentality during spring practices.

"Honestly just to grow, get stronger, learn the offense. Of course, everybody thinks it's a quarterback battle and stuff like that, but I mean we've got such great quarterbacks in the room, and just great personalities. Like, I just love being around the guys every day, just happy to be here," said Lewis.

The Buffaloes began spring practices on Tuesday, and they will continue until March 24 before Colorado's spring break starts on March 24. The annual Black and Gold spring game is scheduled for April 19.