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Timpview quarterback Britain Covey today committed to play football at the University of Utah. Covey was recruited as an athlete, because at 5-9, 170, he doesn't have the size required to be a Pac-12 signal caller. (And, as Utah fans are well aware, there is already a logjam at the QB spot.)
Utah coaches are banking on Covey being able to make plays at the next level the way he did in leading Timpview to its third straight 4A championship. His size indicates just a few options, slot back, wide receiver, or defensive back. Knowing how Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham uses talent like Covey's, it wouldn't be surprising to see him on the defensive side of the ball out in man coverage. He could also be an interesting player, for both running and throwing, in the read-option game.
Covey had offers from BYU and Utah State, as well as Harvard University. Covey is a BYU legacy (his grandfather is Stephen R. Covey), so his commitment is a win in the rivalry recruiting wars. However, there might be more to the commitment from a past relation standpoint. Britain's father Stephen M. R. Covey played with a linebacker named Kyle Whittingham at Provo High School, which may have factored into the equation.
His film* shows a player who is fast, elusive, and simply runs to daylight. He doesn't waste much time with jukes, just a quick move and dash to the open field. Covey has also returned kicks and could be another candidate to take over from All-American Kaelin Clay. As a slot receiver, he has good hands and just runs for the end zone (never a bad trait). Covey has the speed, athletic ability, and determination to make an impact wherever he's lined up.
Excited to announce my commitment to the University of Utah!!!!! #GoUtes
— Britain Covey (@brit_covey2) January 27, 2015
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Class of 2015 QB Britain Covey (<a href="https://twitter.com/brit_covey2">@brit_covey2</a>) has committed to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Utah?src=hash">#Utah</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Utes?src=hash">#Utes</a> <a href="http://t.co/EhatzthnlW">pic.twitter.com/EhatzthnlW</a></p>— QBHitList.com (@QBHitList) <a href="https://twitter.com/QBHitList/status/560222366702518272">January 27, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
*All stats and film courtesy of Hudl.