Tony Anene is no stranger to Colorado football.
In fact, he played on Folsom Field against the Buffaloes in 2024, recording two tackles as a member of North Dakota State. Two years later, the former Bison is back in Boulder and ready to make a jump in competition for his fifth season of collegiate football.
He’s gotten fully adjusted to life as a Buff with his new squad.
“I love it here. I love the weather, love the people here, love the team, love the staff and it's just been, it's been an all-around good experience," Anene told BuffStampede.com.
In four years at the FBS powerhouse, he recorded 59 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 10 pass deflections and five forced fumbles. Every season, Anene saw more action and improved his skills at NDSU.
Coming off of his best year yet, where he started all 13 games and sacked the quarterback seven times, a change of scenery was needed.
“I just think the staff here, coach George Helow, Coach Chris Marve, all those guys really attracted me,” Anene said. “[Colorado’s a] good location, good people and just the chance to play on a bigger stage was very attractive to me.”
With Helow as his edge coach and Marve as the defensive coordinator, the two will be in charge of Anene’s success.
So far, he’s has been consistently in the first-team rotation on defense during Colorado’s fall camp. In the Black and Gold, he is hoping to make the most of his final opportunity by setting goals for the season.
“First and foremost, just win games to help the team, just be a factor on the field,” Anene said. “Personally, you know, All-Conference, All-American, that's always been my goal. So just win and then make those teams.”
Of course, nothing will be given to Anene regardless of his previous credentials. In the deep grind of fall camp, every position is up for grabs. As the Buffs continue to compete, Anene has been pushed by his fellow teammates.
“It's good. We got a lot of depth right now, a lot of competition going on,” Anene said. “You know, we've got some young guys doing a lot of good stuff and just evolving, not making the same mistake twice and just getting better week by week.”
Some of the young talent shining in camp have been Yamil Talib and Lamont Lester Jr., who are on the edge as well. However, the entire room and defense have developed an underdog mentality.
“[We’re] very aggressive. These are hungry guys. Guys [that] have been overlooked in their lives,” Anene said. “Just guys that are hungry for a chance to compete."
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