“Get physical!” That’s what Warren Sapp would tell you if you were a defensive player on his team. The Colorado Buffaloes boast a dominant defense this season all thanks to the three defensive masterminds — LB coach Vincent Dancy, DL coach Damione Lewis, and GA Warren Sapp. 

With the collective effort of these three defensive coaches, the D-line which features some elite existing and new players is leading the Buffs. And as less than one month remains for their upcoming kickoff against North Dakota State on August 29, Sapp sets the expectation straight for the Buffs, especially the defense players. 

In a new episode on Thee Pregame Show Network on season 2, episode 2 on Wednesdays With Warren, Uncle Neely joined Warren Sapp to talk about Colorado football before the regular season kickoff. When he was asked what benchmarks the Buffs are aiming to hit before kickoff, Sapp reminded his host, saying, “We just pour concrete to get a foundation.” He then added, “KTFA which is Kick Their F***ing A**… what I’m saying is hit something that applies because now we’re no longer thinking.” 

Aside from offense, Sapp is also confident that the Buffs defense is going to be lit this season if the front four plays up. He said, “We can eliminate a lot of things offense can do to us just with our front four and when our front four is blowing and going and penetrating and getting in the backfield and disrupting the time of the offense, our linebackers will make us right.” Under the mentorship of Sapp and his fellow defensive coaches, Dancy and Lewis, along with the defensive talents in the team, Buffs’ defense looks formidable as they prepare for the upcoming season.

A peek into CU Buffs’ defense

With Warren Sapp’s loud and authoritative voice booming on the field, the defense is getting in a much better shape than ever before. How so? Coach Dancy emphasizes player unity. He said, “We all know it starts up front. The new guys have come in and bought into the system, bought into their roles. All they’ve been doing is contributing to what we need upfront. We’re all one group. We rush as one and we play as one.”

The Buffs’ defense is boosted with returning players like Shane Cokes and Arden Walker, among others, and capable new players. Some of the best transfer hauls on defense include ASU transfer B.J. Green, whom Dancy describes as “an alpha dog.” Other additions like Dayon Hayes, Samuel Okunlola, and Chidozie Nwankwo are also among those expected to make significant impacts in 2024. Dancy added, “I think experience is always the best leader. We lean on that. Those guys understand it. They’ve been through it. They know what we expect of them.” The Buffs’ confidence only raises the expectations of fans and generates higher anticipation. Hopefully, they’ll be able to walk the talk.