"He gonna be scary": When Derwin James & C.J. Stroud were left impressed with Julian Lewis' natural talent

On Thursday, Julian Lewis announced that he has committed to Colorado after flipping USC. The quarterback is tipped to be one of the best players in the 2025 class, and his talent was visible from an early age. When Lewis was 14, three years ago, and in his early days at Carrollton High School, LA Chargers safety Derwin James was left impressed with the signal-caller's ability.

In a video making the rounds on social media, James praised Lewis after watching him throw a few passes.

"A lot bro," James said. "He [Lewis] gonna be scary."

C. J. Stroud, who was playing for the Ohio State Buckeyes at the time, was also in the video and appeared fascinated by Lewis' talent. The Texans drafted quarterback Stroud second overall in the 2023 draft, and Lewis will aim to follow a similar trajectory once he begins his college career next year.

Lewis will likely get a chance to become Colorado's starting quarterback next season since Sheduer Sanders is expected to enter the 2025 NFL draft.

Deion Sanders says he's excited to work with Julian Lewis at Colorado

Colorado commit QB Julian Lewis - Source: Imagn

Colorado coach Deion Sanders addressed Julian Lewis' commitment to the Buffs on Thursday during an appearance on the "Colorado Football Coaches Show."

"It's a great thing for the program," Sanders said. "We know that's been in the workings for quite some time. Great kid, great talent. I like the qualities and the home structure. And I can't wait to be a part of his life and coach him."

In the 2024 season, Lewis finished with 186 of 280 passes for 3,094 yards and threw 48 touchdowns with two interceptions for Carrollton High School. It will be interesting to see how he fares at Colorado under Sanders' guidance next season.

Sanders has done a fine job at Colorado (8-2, 6-1 Big 12) this season. His Buffs are ranked 16th in the AP Poll and are in contention to make the College Football Playoff.