The primary contenders for the quarterback position are highly regarded recruit Julian Lewis and transfer Kaidon Salter from Liberty University. Lewis committed to Colorado in November, expressing his desire to compete and potentially start as a freshman on the Pat McAfee Show. He officially signed with Colorado on Dec. 4. However, just two weeks later, Salter, with one year of college eligibility remaining, also joined Colorado with intentions of actively contributing on the field rather than warming the bench. Salter, known for his dual-threat capabilities, led Liberty to a strong 21-4 record over the past two seasons, showcasing his skills both running and passing. In contrast, Lewis excels as a pocket passer and is ranked as the No. 2 recruit in the nation for that style by ESPN. Despite receiving scholarship offers from other schools like Southern California, Lewis stuck with his commitment to Colorado.
Salter, 21, and Lewis, 17, are both talented prospects, but the question remains whether one of them will emerge as the starting quarterback in the upcoming season and how the other will respond if they don’t secure the starting role. Deion Sanders emphasized the importance of having multiple capable quarterbacks to replace Shedeur Sanders, underlining the competition and expectations within the team.
The decision to recruit both Lewis and Salter reflects a strategic move by Colorado to diversify their quarterback options and not rely solely on a freshman. There is potential for Colorado to utilize both quarterbacks based on situational needs and differing playing styles. While backup quarterback Ryan Staub remains an alternative option, the competition between Lewis and Salter will likely define the team’s trajectory in the upcoming season.
As the team prepares for the challenges ahead, the departure of Shedeur Sanders has left a significant void, prompting Lewis to express his commitment to stepping up and contributing to the team’s success. Colorado’s coaching staff acknowledges the impact of Shedeur’s absence and the potential for new talent to rise to the occasion. Lewis remains optimistic and focused, as indicated by his social media post showing solidarity with his teammates and determination to excel.
The Colorado team is set to kick off their season against Georgia Tech at home on August 30. For more updates and insights on the game, be sure to follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer on Twitter @Schrotenboer. You can also reach out to Brent via email at bschrotenb@usatoday.com. This article was originally published on USA TODAY and delves into the potential quarterback controversy that Deion Sanders might face at Colorado in the year 2025.
