Watch out, Colorado - Coach Peko says Anquin Barnes is ready to put on a show

Colorado fifth-year senior defensive lineman Anquin Barnes Jr. has one more opportunity to make something out of his collegiate career. The Montgomery, Alabama native was a consensus 4-star recruit coming out of high school. He spent three years in a reserve role at Alabama, seeing action in just two total games.

Barnes decided to transfer to Colorado last season. He carved out a role on the Buffs' defensive line, starting three games and playing in all but one. But he has another level that he can reach. Last season, at a listed 340 pounds, Colorado DL coach Domata Peko considered Barnes a little too "sluggish" and unable to run sideline to sideline like he wants his defensive linemen to do.

But Barnes has put the work in heading into his final season of collegiate eligibility, and according to Peko, fans better be ready for a show.

Peko was highly complimentary of his fifth-year senior. The most interesting tidbit is that Barnes has dropped down to around 310 pounds, which is a 30-pound difference from where he was last season. That should help his ability to move, get off the ball, and make plays in the backfield.

Warren Sapp was evidently instrumental in getting Barnes to slim down, telling the Alabama transfer that he wouldn't play if he was above 315 pounds.

There's significant experience - and Alabama flavor - on Colorado's defensive line

Warren Sapp joked after practice on Tuesday that he didn't realize the task ahead on the recruiting trail he would have at Colorado until Deion Sanders told the defensive line room to raise their hands if they were a senior, and the majority of the room did. Along with Barnes, Colorado has eight additional seniors in their defensive line room. There's going to be significant turnover after this season, but that's a problem for the future. For now, the experience is a major asset.

One of Colorado's non-seniors might be their most talented, and like Barnes, is an Alabama transplant.

Jeheim Oatis left Alabama in the middle of the season last year to preserve an extra year of eligibility. He was able to redshirt, giving him two years to play at Colorado. Of course, Oatis, Coach Prime, and the rest of the coaching staff would be fine if Oatis is such a standout that he plays one year and bounces to the NFL Draft as a high draft pick.

Regardless, Sapp and Peko have a lot of talent to work with.