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Julian Lewis is in the midst of an unexpected quarterback battle at Colorado. The former five-star freshman is pushing to win the starting role in Boulder.
He sparked social media debate on his leadership after being involved in a team scuffle at spring practice. The tussle split the internet.
The Buffs are in search of answers this offseason following the exit of veteran passer Kaidon Salter. Lewis was expected to slide into the role as a sophomore.
The quarterback signed with the program as a high-profile recruit. He saw limited action during his rookie campaign. His responsibilities will grow in Year 2.
Will Julian Lewis be QB1?
He showed flashes as a freshman. Across four games, he threw for 589 yards and four touchdowns.
Lewis shined in his first ever start, tossing two scores in a 299-yard performance against West Virginia. He also threw for 161 yards in a loss to Arizona State.
Lewis was brought in to be the successor to Shedeur Sanders. He, however, found himself in a three-man rotation last year alongside Salter and Ryan Staub.
Both have since left the program. Salter exhausted his eligibility. Staub bolted for Tennessee. The keys to the offense were Lewis’s for the taking, at least until Colorado added some competition in the QB room.
Utah transfer Isaac Wilson signed with the program in the offseason. He created a quarterback controversy almost immediately after stepping foot on campus.
Wilson’s turned heads of both coaches and teammates. He, too, is fighting for the top spot on the depth chart.
The battle for QB1 wages on in spring practice. Lewis stole the headlines in the most recent session. He was seen defending his offense during a team scuffle.
Was it a display of leadership or immaturity?
Colorado football had a fight.
It’s something that happens at every school in college football during the offseason. Emotions run high. Tussles are bound to erupt when facing off against the same opponent each and every day.
In the video posted above, which has since gone viral on social media, Julian Lewis is seen tackling a defensive teammate involved in an exchange with the offense.
It prompted an immediate response from followers. Those commenting were split in their outlooks.
“Ok Ju, we don’t want you hurt before the spring game now,” wrote one viewer. Another said, “Not good, we need Wilson. a dog and a LEADER.”
There were a number of fans to share the same sentiment. Lewis put his health at risk despite the huge investment made by Colorado. His NIL worth sits well above $1 million. It showed potential immaturity given his value to the future success of the program.
With that said, others viewed this as a positive. Lewis had his teammate’s back. There’s no better example of leadership than action.
“You can earn the respect of your teammates that way,” posted this follower. “If there was still a QB competition—that just won it for him,” echoed another.
Practice fights are a common occurrence. Each program handles them differently. Lane Kiffin, for example, discourages his team from scuffling during the spring. Marcus Freeman offers a stark contrast.
“If we don’t have scuffles or tussles, then we’re probably not as competitive as I aspire to have our team to be.”
-Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman
Colorado coaches did not seem to mind the brief tussle. Players showed some fire, and the spat was broken up quickly.
Julian Lewis inserted himself into the action with his tackle. In doing so, he might’ve landed a few votes in the QB race.