Colorado's Shedeur Sanders trying to master Sean Lewis' offense
The Colorado Buffaloes entered day two of Fall Camp, and one thing is becoming increasingly evident. Deion Sanders' team is coming together and they're enjoying the process.
CU's offensive coordinator Sean Lewis met with the media following Thursday’s practice. The longtime assistant exuded enthusiasm for the task at hand. Lewis spoke about how productive the summer was by getting the players to the level they're currently at. He mentioned coach Mo' Sims by name and gave him credit for getting these young men in game shape from a strength and conditioning standpoint.
Lewis was also asked about expectations for Shedeur Sanders in 2023. While the answer was born from coach speak, there is truth to it. He said how Shedeur needs to master the offense. To the point that when defenses create a problem on the field, his QB1 will already have the answers to the test and be able to rapidly use those tools to solve that problem. Colorado hasn't had a solid option at QB for quite a while.
WATCH: Deion Sanders' arrival highlighted in CU Football Fall Camp hype video
Sanders looks to bring his leadership into the fold. He was asked a similar question on the heels of Lewis’ response to the expectation question. The coach's son suggested he’s about 80 percent to where he wants to be from a “mastery of the offense” perspective. Sanders added that with all the time he and Lewis have spent together, he is now starting to see the thought process behind the play calls. Further improving the QB-OC relationship.
As for who Sanders will be targeting, Lewis was asked directly about three different wideouts on the team. He was quick to not want to “label anyone” as the Buffs are just in week 1 of Fall Camp. However, Lewis mentioned that Javon Antonio has size you just can’t teach. Omarion Miller has shown flashes, but is still learning to play the position at this level. As for Xavier Weaver, Lewis did go into more detail including a natural maturity that is good for the room. A solid update considering the Buffs wide receiver count has none of the players from 2022.
Shedeur Sanders going at Cormani McClain every day in practice
Both Sanders and Lewis were asked to weigh in on the state of the offensive line. While there seems to be significant trust in protecting Sanders, both gave the customary, “we’re not even in full pads yet” response. Lewis added, “they’re working hard, but it’s just a pillow fight right now”.
One of the more interesting lines of questioning presented was the “Social Media Handles” on the backs of the practice jerseys. Anyone who has been following Coach Prime’s Colorado journey should be familiar with the approach of embracing each player as the individual they are. The players care about their social media presence, and so should the staff. Which was almost word-for-word the response Lewis gave to the media.
Towards the end of Lewis’ availability, he was asked what separates Shedeur from the other QBs he’s coached and his answer was quick and decisive. “It’s how he edits his life”. He went on to explain that Shedeur is very aware of his goals and positions his life in a manner that allows him to achieve those goals.
The largest take away and welcomed insight is that the offense is on-schedule. Lewis comes to Boulder by way of Kent State, where he created one of the most explosive and dynamic offenses in all of college football. Combine that with Sanders' learning his third offense in as many years and one could see why some of those outside the Boulder/CU footprint might hesitate to buy in right away.
While we won’t know anything concrete until September 2nd in Fort Worth, Texas, today was a strong indication that the offense is moving in the right direction. They're very much prepared for the week 1 match-up with last year's national runner-up.
