Julian Lewis stood on the sidelines, his gaze fixed on the vibrant Colorado football team as they stretched in preparation for their upcoming Alamo Bowl showdown. He was no longer just a standout quarterback from Georgia’s storied high school program. No, in this moment, he had stepped into a new role—a temporary one, but one that would offer him an entirely different perspective.
A few days earlier, Lewis had received an unexpected call from the Buffaloes’ coaching staff. Colorado was preparing for the intense battle ahead, but they needed someone to mimic the strengths of their opponent’s quarterback—a dual-threat player with precision throws and quick feet. Lewis had only one question after hearing the request: “When do I start?” His decision to join Colorado’s scout team was both an opportunity and a challenge, one he couldn’t resist.
Even though he had already secured his spot as one of the top high school recruits in the nation, Lewis knew that experience was key. He couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement as he donned the scout team uniform, his nerves buzzing with anticipation. This was an entirely new arena—less glamorous, perhaps, but full of potential lessons that would serve him well down the road.
As Lewis slipped into the role, he quickly understood how vital his contribution was. His every movement on the field, from the way he simulated the opponent’s quarterback’s intricate footwork to mimicking his throwing motion, would test the Buffaloes’ defense. His accuracy—already a skill he’d honed for years—became a vital tool in keeping Colorado’s defensive players sharp. They needed to read his every play, adjust to his every fake, and cover each route he delivered with precision.
The first practice felt electric. He threw deep, crisp passes to receivers running precise routes—routes he had studied intently. His athleticism stood out, and even the veteran players couldn’t help but admire the poise with which the young quarterback moved. They weren’t used to someone so fluidly switching between roles, nor to someone so raw but ready to elevate the team’s preparation.
Head coach Karl Dorrell stood at the sidelines, closely observing Julian’s performance. There was no mistaking the value of having a player like him on the scout team, simulating an opponent’s dynamic quarterback with near-perfect accuracy. His role had shifted from the spotlight of high school stardom to one of humility and sacrifice for the greater goal of the team. Yet, Julian didn’t mind. He could see the immediate results of his effort: the defensive backs were tightening up their coverage, and the linebackers were anticipating faster, reacting quicker.
There was a quiet sense of pride that filled Julian as he watched his teammates’ progress. Colorado’s defense was pushing themselves harder, tightening their techniques and focusing with laser-like intensity. Julian could sense they were gaining momentum. Every fake he executed, every run he imitated, every pass he threw—he was helping them prepare to face the real test ahead.
Despite the initial shock of transitioning to a scout role, Julian felt more connected than ever to the team. He wasn’t just there for his development; he was there to help the Buffaloes rise to the challenge. As the practices wore on, the excitement that had first surged through him began to deepen. Julian had long dreamed of the spotlight, but he’d quickly learned that there was more to football than fame and recognition. There was the unspoken bond of teamwork and the satisfaction of knowing you’d given it your all, even if the spotlight wasn’t on you.
When the day finally came for Colorado to head to the Alamo Bowl, Julian stood among his teammates—still on the sidelines, still in that scout team role. But this time, there was a different sense of purpose about him. The games ahead were big, and he had done his part to ensure that his team was ready.