Deion Sanders is in a whirlwind of quarterback decisions as his son Shedeur’s NFL Draft stock drops dramatically.
A new dilemma surfaces for Coach Prime and the Colorado Buffaloes with competing talents vying for the quarterback position.
Coach Deion Sanders is experiencing the true essence of a quarterback dilemma. With Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Draft stock recently plummeting from No. 6 to No. 22, uncertainties loom over the Colorado Buffaloes. What was once a clear future is now muddied by unexpected turns. The pursuit of a winning season hinges significantly on the incoming talent, including Julian Lewis, awarded the National HS QB of the Year, and Kaidon Salter, formerly from the Liberty Flames.
The Entering Battle: Julian Lewis vs. Kaidon Salter
The transfer of Kaidon Salter into the mix complicates the anticipated transition to Lewis as the starting quarterback. With Salter's college experience (including starting 29 games for the Flames and earning Conference USA MVP honors in 2023), a fierce competition is igniting. Lewis, a 5-star recruit out of Carrollton High School, also has the accolades—throwing for over 7,000 yards and 96 touchdowns in two seasons. However, he is yet to face the rapid pace and physical demands of Division I college football.
It promises to be a thrilling showdown for the Colorado Buffaloes QB competition that simply cannot be overlooked. Analysts predict a pull between the stars as decisions have to be made on the path forward. Lewis thrives on his high school achievements but, as pointed out by various sports analysts, college football is an entirely different beast.
Julian Lewis: The Rising Star
Lewis has recently been in the spotlight following his extraordinary achievement of receiving the National HS QB of the Year award. This accolade signifies that he is not just an average high school player but is on the radar of collegiate recruiters. His success in high school makes him a prime candidate to eventually replace Shedeur Sanders, given time. A notable moment was captured on social media when Lewis shared a snapshot of himself receiving the prestigious award. The post illustrated Lewis alongside NFL legend Josh Booty, which excited the fanbase and made waves in college football discussions.
Coach Deion has made no secret of his faith in Lewis, stating, “He’s everything that we desire in a quarterback.” Despite this faith, the reality is Lewis has to earn his place amidst heavy competition. His significant accolades make for compelling headlines, but the impending competition with Kaidon Salter will test his mettle.
Kaidon Salter: The Experienced Challenger
Kaidon Salter, having transitioned from the Liberty Flames, provides a fresh dynamic to the Colorado quarterback room. With a blend of experience and performance, he proved himself a capable quarterback during his tenure at Liberty. Salter has rapidly amassed impressive stats, including over 1,676 rushing yards in 2023, showcasing his dual-threat capability as a quarterback. This positions Salter as not only an experienced player but also a tactical asset to Coach Sanders’ plans moving forward.
Salter’s understanding of the college game, developed over multiple seasons, gives him an edge when competing for QB1. Analysts, like David Ubben from the Until Saturday podcast, emphasize that Salter's stability might be more valuable than Lewis's raw talent for immediate team needs. Salter might very well play the role of a mentor for Lewis, building the future foundation for the Buffaloes.
A Testing Time for Deion Sanders
Deion Sanders is stuck in what seems to be an intricate “choose your own adventure” with his quarterbacks. The promising journey of Julian Lewis competing against the seasoned Kaidon Salter requires careful navigation. These dynamics call for effective strategies that incorporate a talent pool rather than isolating one over the other. As discussed on the Locked on Buffs podcast, if one doesn't receive a starting role immediately, concerns arise about transfers and retaining their quarterback depth.
The internal QB competition is not solely a personal struggle; it poses implications for team morale as well. Although Lewis has shown immense potential and competence at the high school level, the coaching staff must remain attentive to the immediate needs of the team while also planning for the future. This brewing quarterback dilemma becomes a test not just of player abilities but of Sanders’ acumen as a leader.
Looking Ahead to Fall
With the season approaching, the spotlight will increasingly shine on how well Deion Sanders balances expectations and builds the team’s future around these talented players. The upcoming spring practices will undoubtedly highlight this critical QB competition, and fans will be keen on the developments between Julian Lewis and Kaidon Salter. Can Lewis maintain his trajectory amid direct rivalry from Salter, or will experience play the supreme role in this heated race to lead the Buffaloes?
As Colorado prepares for a unique season ahead, all the pieces are present for an exhilarating season, making all eyes remain glued to the reckoning of the quarterback saga.