Buffs Beat

Watch Colorado Buffaloes' Julian Lewis Show Off Strong Arm At Spring Practice

The Colorado Buffaloes and coach Deion Sanders have seemingly found the quarterback of their future in Julian "JuJu" Lewis. He will compete against transfer quarterback Kaidon Salter for the starting job, but Lewis is already showing off his arm in practice.
Charlie Viehl|
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.
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

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Colorado Buffaloes

Spring football for the Colorado Buffaloes and coach Deion Sanders is in full swing. Luckily for Colorado fans, Deion Sanders Jr. provides unprecedented access on his YouTube channel, filming team meetings and practices as the Buffaloes prepare for the 2025 season.

In some of the most recent clips from Colorado's third day of spring practice, incoming quarterback Julian "JuJu" Lewis showed off his arm strength and accuracy in a number of passing drills. The Buffaloes are replacing one of the top quarterbacks in the country in Shedeur Sanders, but future seems bright at the position for Colorado.

In the highlights shown, Lewis already looked comfortable with the offense. Not much of transfer quarterback Kaidon Salter was posted, but Colorado might be trying to keep the starting offense a secret. Although a quarterback competition is expected in the spring, the limited clips of the team periods shown at practice featured more of Lewis and what appeared to be the second offensive unit.

Earlier in the week, Lewis spoke about his transition to the college game. He also highlighted the benefits of his relationship with Shedeur Sanders as Lewis prepares to lead the Buffaloes in the future and potentially follow in Sanders footsteps to the NFL Draft.

"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," said Lewis.

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However, Lewis is not the only quarterback on Colorado's roster that is looking to replace Sanders. Former signal-caller for the Liberty Flames, Kaidon Salter brings some experience to the position group, starting 25 games in the last two seasons. Salter talked about his decision to transfer and commit to Colorado.

"Coach (Sanders) wanted to see me come in and compete with JuJu, and it's all working out right now. Just coming in, helping JuJu out, also helping each other out. It was the best fit for me, and having the staff that they have here, everybody's been to where I'm trying to get to. Pat Shurmur's one of the best offensive coordinators, best quarterbacks coach in the country," said Salter.

Colorado football coach Deion Sanders looks on against Texas Tech in a Big 12 football game
Colorado football coach Deion Sanders looks on against Texas Tech in a Big 12 football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at Jones AT&T Stadium. | Stephen Garcia/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

While Salter is expected to start the season under center for Colorado, the Buffaloes boast quality depth should Lewis earn the backup role in the offseason.

At the end of practice, coach Sanders asked the team who had the best day of work in order to pick which player would break down the huddle. 'Coach Prime' chose Lewis after his impressive day, but once Sanders heard that Lewis finished with an interception, he kicked Lewis out and picked someone else.

The Buffaloes kickoff the season on Aug. 29 against Georgia Tech. First, Colorado's annual spring game is scheduled for April 19.

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Charlie Viehl
CHARLIE VIEHL

Charlie Viehl is the deputy editor for the Oregon Ducks, Colorado Buffaloes, and USC Trojans on SI. He has written hundreds of articles for SI and has covered events like the Big Ten Championship and College Football Playoff Quarterfinals at the Rose Bowl. While pursuing a career in sports journalism, he is also a lifelong musician, holding a degree in Music and Philosophy from Boston College. A native of Pasadena, California, he covered sports across Los Angeles while at Loyola High School and edited the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program’s magazine at BC. He is excited to bring his passion for storytelling and sports to fans of college athletics.

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