Colorado University Athletics
Buffs Lean on Competition and Physicality in Week Four
March 30, 2026 | Football
BOULDER — The Colorado Buffaloes continued spring practice this week inside the Ford Practice Facility, as the program pushes through week four with a clear emphasis on competition, evaluation and identity.
Following practice, edge coach George Helow set the tone, emphasizing that every rep this spring is earned. Not given.
"We don't have a depth chart, we have a rep chart," Helow said. "You get what you earn. We're mixing it up, changing the rotation and finding what each guy does best."
With a retooled defensive unit, Helow stressed that the foundation is being built on effort and physicality rather than scheme.
"It's not about the scheme right now. It's about how we play; With violence, aggression, speed and effort," he added.
That evaluation process has been central to the early weeks of camp, as the staff works to identify each player's strengths.
"What is this guy's superpower?" Helow said. "Is he better on early downs, can he rush the passer, can he play in space? We're trying to figure out what each guy does best so we can put him in position to make plays."
Helow also pointed to improved energy and cohesion within the group as a sign of progress.
"These have been the best practices, the best energy and effort that I've seen since I've been here," he said.
That mindset has carried into the defensive front, where transfers and returning players alike are fueling a highly competitive environment.
For Toby Anene, a transfer from St. Paul, Minn., the opportunity to join Colorado has been both humbling and motivating.
"It's a big blessing," Anene said. "Being on the outside looking in and now being a part of this team, playing for Coach Prime. It's a blessing."
Entering his final season, Anene is focused on consistency and impact rather than expectations.
"I'm just trying to be the best player I can be, the best one-eleventh for this defense," he said. "Bring physicality, help lead the younger guys and do my job."
That leadership shows up daily in a room defined by effort and competition.
"There's a lot of fire," Anene said. "A lot of guys feel like they've been overlooked, so every day is competition."
Alongside him, Vili Taufatofua, a transfer from New Zealand, brings a unique journey and a physical presence to the edge group.
"I'll say it's a unique journey," Taufatofua said. "I'm so grateful, and I'm grateful for Colorado for taking me in."
Taufatofua has quickly embraced the competitive culture within the defensive line room.
"It's great competition," he said. "Everybody's pushing each other and trying to make the whole D line better."
His approach is rooted in physicality and football IQ, traits he believes have developed through his path to Boulder.
"I'd say I'm very physical with a high football IQ," he said. "My journey has helped me develop my understanding of the game."
The competition extends across the line of scrimmage, where the Buffs offense continues to challenge the defense in practice.
"They've been very physical," Taufatofua said of the offensive line. "Across the board, everybody's been outstanding."
That daily competition, paired with attention to detail in meetings, has helped elevate the overall tempo of practice.
"Guys are learning fast," he added. "They're paying attention to the details, and that's helping us play faster on the field."
As the Buffs continue through spring, the focus remains consistent. Compete, develop and establish a physical identity ahead of the fall.
Fans wanting to get a first glimpse of the 2026 Colorado Buffaloes football team can claim tickets now for the annual AT&T Black & Gold Day, on April 11.
Football season tickets are on sale now and fans are encouraged to lock in their seats for six exciting games at iconic Folsom Field this fall. Be a part of the pageantry and excitement of one of the most unique college football atmospheres in the country by getting your tickets today!
Following practice, edge coach George Helow set the tone, emphasizing that every rep this spring is earned. Not given.
"We don't have a depth chart, we have a rep chart," Helow said. "You get what you earn. We're mixing it up, changing the rotation and finding what each guy does best."
With a retooled defensive unit, Helow stressed that the foundation is being built on effort and physicality rather than scheme.
"It's not about the scheme right now. It's about how we play; With violence, aggression, speed and effort," he added.
That evaluation process has been central to the early weeks of camp, as the staff works to identify each player's strengths.
"What is this guy's superpower?" Helow said. "Is he better on early downs, can he rush the passer, can he play in space? We're trying to figure out what each guy does best so we can put him in position to make plays."
Helow also pointed to improved energy and cohesion within the group as a sign of progress.
"These have been the best practices, the best energy and effort that I've seen since I've been here," he said.
That mindset has carried into the defensive front, where transfers and returning players alike are fueling a highly competitive environment.
For Toby Anene, a transfer from St. Paul, Minn., the opportunity to join Colorado has been both humbling and motivating.
"It's a big blessing," Anene said. "Being on the outside looking in and now being a part of this team, playing for Coach Prime. It's a blessing."
Entering his final season, Anene is focused on consistency and impact rather than expectations.
"I'm just trying to be the best player I can be, the best one-eleventh for this defense," he said. "Bring physicality, help lead the younger guys and do my job."
That leadership shows up daily in a room defined by effort and competition.
"There's a lot of fire," Anene said. "A lot of guys feel like they've been overlooked, so every day is competition."
Alongside him, Vili Taufatofua, a transfer from New Zealand, brings a unique journey and a physical presence to the edge group.
"I'll say it's a unique journey," Taufatofua said. "I'm so grateful, and I'm grateful for Colorado for taking me in."
Taufatofua has quickly embraced the competitive culture within the defensive line room.
"It's great competition," he said. "Everybody's pushing each other and trying to make the whole D line better."
His approach is rooted in physicality and football IQ, traits he believes have developed through his path to Boulder.
"I'd say I'm very physical with a high football IQ," he said. "My journey has helped me develop my understanding of the game."
The competition extends across the line of scrimmage, where the Buffs offense continues to challenge the defense in practice.
"They've been very physical," Taufatofua said of the offensive line. "Across the board, everybody's been outstanding."
That daily competition, paired with attention to detail in meetings, has helped elevate the overall tempo of practice.
"Guys are learning fast," he added. "They're paying attention to the details, and that's helping us play faster on the field."
As the Buffs continue through spring, the focus remains consistent. Compete, develop and establish a physical identity ahead of the fall.
Fans wanting to get a first glimpse of the 2026 Colorado Buffaloes football team can claim tickets now for the annual AT&T Black & Gold Day, on April 11.
Football season tickets are on sale now and fans are encouraged to lock in their seats for six exciting games at iconic Folsom Field this fall. Be a part of the pageantry and excitement of one of the most unique college football atmospheres in the country by getting your tickets today!
Players Mentioned
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