Byron Leftwich could be x-factor for Julian Lewis’ development at Colorado originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Byron Leftwich’s arrival at Colorado could be a game-changer for freshman quarterback Julian Lewis. With Shedeur Sanders off to the NFL and the Buffaloes entering a new era, the Super Bowl-winning offensive coordinator brings elite experience and a quarterback’s mindset. He comes to Boulder at the perfect time to mentor one of the most highly-anticipated talents in the country.
Lewis, who reclassified to the 2025 class and enrolled early, is considered the future of the Colorado program. Despite skipping his senior season of high school, he’s already earned comparisons to former Heisman winner and top NFL Draft pick Bryce Young.
Thanks to his elite football IQ and quick decision-making, it has allowed him to remain calm in the pocket. It’s a major reason why Lewis threw 144 touchdowns during his prep career at Carrollton (Georgia). But as talented as Lewis is, transitioning to the college level is no easy task. That’s where Leftwich’s presence could prove invaluable for the 17-year old passer.
As a former top ten NFL Draft pick, Leftwich understands the pace of the position better than most. His decade-long playing career, including 51 starts in the NFL, followed by coaching stints with Bruce Arians and Tom Brady in Tampa Bay, which gives him the right combination of on-field experience and strategic development.
At this stage in Lewis’ development, he needs a mentor who has walked the same path and succeeded at the highest levels. While Kaidon Salter could help, Leftwich’s calm demeanor and quarterback-first lens could help accelerate Lewis’ skills under center. He can teach Lewis how to dissect defenses and prepare like a pro from day one. That’s a great start and one he wouldn’t get elsewhere.
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It remains to be seen whether Lewis will win the starting job in fall camp over Salter, but if he does, Leftwich will be critical in helping him navigate the next stages. Even if Lewis begins the year on the bench, Leftwich’s presence ensures Colorado’s future at quarterback is in steady hands.
Related: Shedeur Sanders had interesting changes at Browns camp
In a make-or-break season for Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes, Leftwich might prove to be the most important addition that Coach Prime made this offseason.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 31, 2025, where it first appeared.