Warren Sapp was a nightmare for quarterbacks during his NFL days, a Hall of Fame pass rusher who knew how to wreck a game. Now, he’s bringing that same fire to Colorado as the CU Buffs’ pass rush coordinator.
He doesn’t sugarcoat things, and he definitely doesn’t hand out compliments unless they’re earned. Warren Sapp is known for setting a high bar, and in 2025, he’s got his eye on one player in particular.
Sapp hasn’t just been impressed, he’s expecting big things. While most coaches might highlight effort or potential, Sapp is all about results. And when he singles someone out, it means something.
Sapp Sets Weight Limit Challenge
Anquin Barnes Jr. is the guy Warren Sapp has circled, and not just for his potential. Sapp made it clear he’s holding Barnes to a high physical standard, especially when it comes to weight.
“Barnes. I told him before I left here and I came back, I said, ‘You can’t play for me over 315lbs.’… You over 315 pounds. I’m running you up a mountain.” That’s classic Sapp, tough love with no sugarcoating.
It’s not just about discipline; it’s about pushing Barnes to reach a level Sapp clearly believes he’s capable of.
Anquin Barnes Jr. Is Turning Heads in Boulder
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing in at 305 pounds after summer training, Anquin Barnes Jr. fits the mold of a prototypical nose tackle, and Warren Sapp knows it. “He’s 305… 305 is the perfect weight for a nose tackle that can move. Wait till you see this young man moving.” Sapp’s praise isn’t casual; it comes from someone who’s been one of the best to ever do it. And when he says Barnes can move, it speaks volumes.
Barnes grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, and starred at Robert E. Lee High School, where he played four years of varsity football under Coach Eric Hudson. A dominant two-way player, he earned First Team All-State honors on the offensive line in 2020, notching 14 pancake blocks. He also racked up 82 tackles, 11 for loss, and six sacks across his final two high school seasons.
Off the field, Barnes was on the A/B Honor Roll and volunteered at “That’s My Child,” offering food and helping clean homes for families in need. He also played basketball and ran track, averaging 14 points and 8 rebounds on the court.
Now at Colorado, Barnes played in all but one game in 2024, starting three. He logged 212 defensive snaps and even snagged his first career interception in the Alamo Bowl, something no CU defensive tackle had done since 2008.
Barnes’ mix of size, athleticism, and character has Sapp fired up. And based on what we’ve seen, he’s just getting started.