BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Deion Sanders is turning to freshman guard Julian “JuJu” Lewis in an attempt to salvage Colorado's disastrous season.
The Buffalo coach said the decision to start Lewis on Saturday at West Virginia was based on “common sense.” Colorado (3–6, 1–5 Big 12) was outscored by a 105-24 margin in the last two games. Lewis replaces Kaydon Salter.
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That's not the only change Sanders could make—or may already have made.
Sanders hinted that there could be some behind-the-scenes changes in his coaching role. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur and defensive coach Robert Livingston have come under scrutiny following the team's recent struggles. Colorado needs to win all three remaining games to qualify for the bowl.
“It’s up to you,” Sanders said of the changes. “They may have already happened.
“I don’t do things or shout or make loud statements like, ‘Hey!’ I don't do that kind of thing. I do this and let you guys take the pictures. You don't even know, you might be shooting at the wrong target. So there are some things going on that you may not be aware of.”
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The only obvious change will be in the center.
Lewis, who turned 18 in September, took part in Saturday's 52-17 loss to Arizona in the third quarter and finished with 121 yards passing and his first touchdown throw. He left the game late with an injured arm, but Sanders said, “He's tough, he's good.”
This was Lewis' second appearance this season. He also played briefly against Delaware on September 6. He could play in two more regular-season games and still remain eligible to redshirt.
“He's still a young kid. He's going to make childhood mistakes,” Sanders said of his highly touted freshman. “But the staff's job is to prepare him, prepare him so he can be concise and precise. He has to read and get the ball out quickly, run when he feels pressure and just be himself. Just do what you've done your whole life.”
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Lewis joined Buffalo late last year following his high school season. In three years as a starter at Carrollton High School in Georgia, he went 39-4, throwing for 11,010 yards and 144 touchdown passes.
What Sanders most wants to see from Lewis is leadership.
“You have to let them know you’re here,” Sanders said. “You are in command, you are in control.”
Father figure
Sanders did not speak to his players after the lopsided loss to Arizona or during his media appearance on Tuesday.
“I have a fatherly spirit and an overseer spirit,” Sanders explained. “I try to protect my guys from some things that could hurt them.”
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Sanders added: “My job is to protect them and put an umbrella around them until I feel like they're ready to be attacked and attacked, ready for the social media gambit that they're dealing with now. So it’s just me being the protector, guardian and father figure we all called ‘coach’ back in the day.”
Fan message
Sanders' message to Buffalo fans after a pair of lopsided losses was succinct: “He gets it.”
“They deserve better,” Sanders said. “We can't keep up with them, and my heart goes out to them. I want them to continue to support me. Stay in love with the team, not about loving the team, because we are trending right behind the scenes.”
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