"I'm just ready to work": Julian Lewis introduces himself alongside other recruits during Coach Prime's address to the 2025 class

By Kayode Akinwumi

Modified Jan 15, 2025 13:08 GMT

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Colorado five-star quarterback signee Julian Lewis has emphasized his readiness to get to work for the Buffs. He did so during a team session where new members of the Buffaloes football team took turns to introduce themselves. When it was Lewis’ turn, the standout quarterback from Georgia said (9:58):

“My name is Julian Lewis, from Carrolton, Georgia. Yeah, I’m just ready to work.”

Lewis headlined Colorado’s 2025 high school recruits, leading 13 other signees the program recruited from high school. Others are:

1. Four-star offensive tackle Carde Smith
2. Four-star EDGE London Merritt
3. Four-star wide receiver Adrian Wilson
4. Four-star wide receiver Quanell Farrakhan Jr.
5. Four-star offensive lineman Chauncey Gooden
6. Four-star safety Antonio Branch
7. Three-star defensive lineman Christian Hudson
8. Three-star wide receiver Quentin Gibson
9. Three-star linebacker Mantrez Walker
10. Three-star EDGE Alexander McPherson
11. Three-star tight end Zayne DeSouza
12. Three-star tight end Corbin Laisure
13. Three-star offensive tackle Jay Gardenhire-Crooks

Projecting Julian Lewis’ and other signees’ impact on Colorado

Julian Lewis signed with Colorado in December after an interesting recruitment process that saw him flip his commitment from Lincoln Riley’s USC to the Buffs. The success of Lewis’ recruitment is important for Coach Prime’s team, especially considering the need to replace NFL-bound Shedeur Sanders.

Lewis is not only a suitable immediate replacement for Shedeur but also a long-term prospect who can become the pillar to build the program’s future. However, the five-star isn’t promised an automatic starting role, especially with the arrival of veteran quarterback Kaidon Salter via the NCAA transfer portal.

Meanwhile, Salter’s role may not necessarily be to compete with Lewis for the starting quarterback spot. On the other hand, he seems more suited for a mentoring role, given his wealth of experience in college football. The former Tennessee quarterback can also provide a solid backup for Lewis.

The Buffs’ wide receivers’ room is another position where the program will need a replacement. The Heisman Trophy-winning Travis Hunter had 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024 while also putting in shifts in the defense. The former No. 1 prospect was one of Sanders’ most reliable players and will not be easy to replace.

However, three wide receivers are arriving from high school to attempt to make the kind of impact Hunter has had on Sanders’ team. Four-star receivers Adrian Wilson and Quanell Farrakhan Jr. are standout talents in their own right. But with the kind of senior season Quentin Gibson had with North Crowley, he is a must-watch.