As one of Colorado’s most reliable defensive ends, Toby Anene’s name hasn't dominated the stat sheet. However, after two games, Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders tells a different story about his impact on the defense.
“You're talking about a great young man that was raised right, that loves the game, that hunts, that wants to be that guy,” Sanders said.
As a fifth year transfer from North Dakota State, Anene's experience in college football has translated to his presence in the locker room. In the 2024 season opener, he faced the Buffaloes and caught the eye of Coach Prime.
“He's one of my favorites,” Sanders said. “I probably get on his nerves asking him about his family, but I stay on his butt because we played against him, and I know what he possessed when he was on the field against us. And I want that same guy and then some.”
This season he’s recorded six total tackles and a sack during his time in the Black and Gold. Yet, Sanders remains confident that his 6-foot-4, 260-pound edge will make the explosive plays when the opportunity comes.
“He gets frustrated because he hadn't rattled up those sack totals like he desires, but it's not for lack of effort and not for being there,” Sanders said. “They're gonna come, and when they come, they're gonna come in bunches. So I'm proud of that young man.”
For Anene, the decision to come to Boulder meant getting the chance to play on a bigger stage. Coach Prime's belief has prepared him to capitalize when the lights are on. The relationship between the two is special.
“Being able to play with confidence, just knowing that your head coach has all the trust in the world for you,” Anene said. “When you're a head coach is probably the greatest cornerback of all time, it just means so much to me. I'm able to play free.”
As the Buffs hit the road to face Northwestern (1-0), Anene will have a chance to show himself in a projected rainy matchup. Going up against the Wildcats is a challenge he is ready for.
“Big Ten team, so you know they're gonna run the football,” Anene said. “Run the football, try to lull you to sleep. So it's gonna be a physical, physical game, kind of like how we thought for Georgia Tech.”
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