Covey Says He’s Fine After Big Hits Against Washington

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah kick returner and wide receiver Britain Covey took quite the physical punishment in the Utes’ 21-7 loss to Washington last Saturday.

Time after time Covey hit the turf hard on the receiving end of numerous big hits from Huskie defenders, at times limping or holding his shoulder when coming off the field.

“I’m good. I’m alright.”

Postgame, however Covey insisted that he was fine.

“I’m good. I’m alright,” he said. “I got the wind knocked out of me a few times, but I’m okay.”

Covey’s biggest bump came in the second half when he was met with great prejudice by Washington defensive back Byron Murphy. Upon greeting the ball on a pass from Tyler Huntley, Covey turned and was immediately flattened by Murphy.

Byron Murphy says HELLO 💥 #UWvsUTAH pic.twitter.com/QCPJ08RJye

— Seattle Times Sports (@SeaTimesSports) September 16, 2018

Despite all the bumps and bruises his head coach, Kyle Whittingham, was pleased with the feisty 5-foot-9-inch sophomore’s effort in the loss. Covey finished the game with 133all-purpose yards, including a 46-yard punt return. He did, however, have one lost fumble.

“He is a tough kid. He did get knocked around quite a bit, but he just keeps getting back up and gets ready for the next play,” said Whittingham.

He added that like Huntley, Covey needs to learn how to avoid the big collision at the end of the play.

“Britain can do some things to take himself out of harm’s way at times, instead of taking that last shot. We have to try and avoid those direct shots, but they got after him pretty good. Washington is a physical team. We feel like we are a physical team too, but he did take some licks on Saturday night,” said Whittingham.

Too Many Dropped Passes

The heavy hitting from Washington may have had an impact on the ability of the whole Utes receiving corps to catch the ball. To Whittingham, the dropped balls are a huge deal.

“That is probably our biggest issue right now,” Whittingham said. “We are dropping passes and those are drive killers.”

Covey agreed, adding that catching the ball was something quite elementary that the Utes need to do better.

“There are some things you can do, and we will do it, but you cannot become a better catcher in one week. We need to be locked in more. Quit taking our eyes off the ball, things you learn in kindergarten,” he said.

Time To Recover

The Utes have a bye this week, giving Covey and crew plenty of time to recover before facing Washington State on the road on Saturday, September 29th at 4 p.m. The game will be broadcast on the Pac-12 Network.