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Deion Sanders has proven to be a disruptor in college football, bringing Colorado from obscurity to national prominence.
His unconventional methods are paying off, most notably in the recruitment of five-star quarterback Julian Lewis, who committed to the Buffaloes after a dramatic shift from USC late last year.
How Deion Sanders recruited Julian Lewis
According to T.C. Lewis, Julian's father, it wasn't just the prospect's talent that drew Sanders in, but his ability to handle pressure, a trait that runs deep in the Sanders family.
"He's one of the most heavily scrutinized recruits,"T.C. Lewis said, acknowledging the weight on his son's shoulders as a five-star quarterback.
But rather than shy away from that scrutiny, Deion Sanders embraced it.
"Deion Sanders valued who Ju was. I think one of the things that drew them to Julian was his ability to perform under pressure," T.C. continued.
The comparison to Shedeur Sanders, Deion's son and the current Colorado quarterback, was a powerful factor.
With Shedeur already at the helm, his poise and leadership have set a high standard for future signal-callers at Colorado.
Deion saw in Julian a similar ability to thrive under pressure, a trait that makes him an ideal fit for the Buffs' program.
For the Buffaloes, Lewis represents the future.
However, Sanders also ensured that the 2025 season won't be a rebuilding year.
Enter Kaidon Salter, a dual-threat quarterback who transferred from Liberty to bridge the gap between Shedeur's departure and Lewis' eventual takeover.
Salter's experience and proven track record give Colorado immediate stability, allowing Lewis time to develop into the quarterback the program hopes he'll be.
Alongside Lewis and Salter, Colorado's recruiting class also boasts talent like MaxPreps National Player of the Year Quentin Gibson and wide receivers Adrian Wilson and Quandel Farrakhan Jr.
Together, they form a loaded offense ready to make waves in the coming seasons.
As Colorado continues to build for the future, T.C. Lewis' insights into his son's journey reveal just how pivotal Deion Sanders' approach was in sealing the deal for Julian.
The Buffaloes' latest recruit is ready to rise to the challenge and carry the momentum forward for this rapidly growing program.