Deion Sanders didn’t sugarcoat anything when talking about what’s next for Juju Lewis as Colorado’s starting quarterback. He kept it direct, the way he usually does.
“Understanding what he sees and riding with it, and taking what they give him,” Sanders said at his weekly press conference. “But we’ve got to be much better on first downs. I’ve had an issue since day one.”
That’s been the problem. Colorado keeps getting behind the chains early in drives, and it’s killing their rhythm. Sanders wants four or five yards on first down, just to stay on schedule. That shouldn’t be too much to ask, but when you’ve got a freshman under center, it’s easier said than done. Juju Lewis has the tools, but he’s still learning how to slow the game down and play within the structure.
The talent is there. He’s got the arm, he’s got the legs, and he’s not afraid to make plays. But Sanders is making it clear that raw ability doesn’t mean much if you can’t get four yards when it matters. That’s the message: figure it out, keep the offense moving, and don’t turn every possession into a third-and-long scramble drill.
“This kid is starting to understand the game a lot more, mentally, psychologically,” Sanders added. That’s the encouraging part. He’s not just out there winging it. He’s starting to see coverage, read leverage, and make smarter decisions.
The learning curve is steep when you’re a true freshman quarterback, especially when you’re playing for a coach who doesn’t tolerate sloppy football. Sanders wants more than just highlight plays. He wants control, consistency, and a quarterback who can keep things on schedule.
Right now, it’s all about stacking smart plays. No more second-and-13s. Get the easy yards, keep the drive alive, and let everything else fall into place.
