Deion Sanders, affectionately known as Coach Prime, is embarking on an exciting new chapter at Colorado, one that will see him navigate the Buffaloes’ quarterback landscape without his son, Shedeur Sanders. With Shedeur’s departure, Coach Prime has made strategic moves to fill the void, bringing in Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter and four-star recruit Julian Lewis. The anticipation surrounding these changes is palpable, as fans and analysts alike speculate on who will lead the team next season.
The seasoned option: Kaidon Salter
Salter, who has already made a name for himself at Liberty, brings a wealth of experience to the Colorado roster. Under the guidance of coaches Hugh Freeze and Jamey Chadwell, he showcased his skills in a competitive FBS environment. His impressive stats speak volumes—77 touchdowns and nearly 7,900 passing yards. This has led many to believe that he could be a game-changer for the Buffaloes.
“Coach Prime made a genius move by landing one of the best quarterbacks in college football,” a narrator for a video posted by @theqbplug stated. Even Pro Football Focus has recognized Salter as one of the highest-graded quarterbacks heading into the 2024 season. His decision to transfer to Colorado, rather than declaring for the NFL Draft, has raised eyebrows and sparked enthusiasm among fans.
However, not everyone is convinced about Salter’s potential. Some fans have expressed skepticism, suggesting he might simply be a backup to the highly-touted Julian Lewis. “Backup to JuJu,” one user quipped on X/Twitter, reflecting a sentiment shared by a segment of the fanbase.
Julian Lewis: The rising star
On the other hand, Julian Lewis is generating significant buzz in the recruiting world. A standout since middle school, Lewis was initially committed to play for Lincoln Riley at USC before making the switch to Colorado. His coaches have been effusive in their praise, comparing his skill set to that of Trevor Lawrence, the former Clemson star and NFL quarterback.
“I’ve had the privilege of coaching Trevor Lawrence,” said Carrollton High School coach Joey King. “He’s in the same category as Trevor. The skillset and arm talent he has are definitely advanced for his age.” This kind of endorsement only heightens expectations for Lewis as he steps into a competitive environment.
Could Coach Prime opt for Lewis over the more experienced Salter? The possibility exists, and fans are eager to see how spring and fall camps unfold. “If Juju pans out, he’ll be gone in the spring,” one user commented, hinting at the potential for Lewis to make a significant impact early in his college career.
Fan reactions and expectations
The quarterback situation at Colorado has ignited passionate discussions among fans. While some are excited about Salter’s experience, others remain skeptical. “I watch this kid a lot the past two seasons since they play on weekdays in CUSA,” one fan remarked, pointing out that Liberty’s 8-4 record, including a loss to Kennesaw State, might not translate well to a higher level of competition. “No disrespect, but at that level to lose four games and one of them be to Kennesaw State is not going to translate like Shedeur did coming from Jackson State.”
This sentiment is echoed by other fans who question Salter’s readiness for the spotlight. “Lol he not that good,” another user chimed in, reflecting the divide in opinions regarding the Liberty transfer.
Yet, there are those who defend Salter, pointing to his impressive high school career, where he threw for over 10,000 yards. “I don’t get the dismissal of JuJu,” one fan argued. “Nobody was named the starter. Let’s see what happens first over spring and fall camps.” This highlights the uncertainty and excitement surrounding the upcoming season.
The road ahead for Colorado football
As Coach Prime prepares for the next season, the quarterback battle will undoubtedly be one of the most closely watched storylines. Both Kaidon Salter and Julian Lewis bring unique strengths to the table, and the coaching staff will need to assess their performances thoroughly during the off-season.
With the Buffaloes looking to build on their recent successes, the quarterback position will be crucial in determining the team’s trajectory. Will Salter’s experience win out, or will Lewis’s raw talent shine through? The answers will become clearer as the spring and fall camps unfold.
In a sport where every decision can shape a season, Coach Prime’s choices will be under the microscope. The excitement surrounding Colorado football is palpable, and fans are eager to see how this new chapter unfolds. The quarterback situation is just one piece of the puzzle, but it’s a significant one that could define the Buffaloes’ future. As the off-season progresses, all eyes will be on Boulder, ready to witness the next generation of Colorado football.
