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SALT LAKE CITY â His collegiate career started in 2015, but wide receiver Britain Covey is calling it a career a year early.
Yes, Covey still has a year of eligibility left following a medical redshirt season in 2019 and an extra year of eligibility granted for all athletes due to a COVID-disrupted 2020 season.
The junior, who made mention at the beginning of the season that 2021 could be his last, has decided to pursue the NFL and will prepare for the draft after Utah's appearance in the Rose Bowl.
"No words can capture the love and gratitude I feel for this community and this program," Covey tweeted as part of his announcement Friday. "As a kid who grew up dreaming about playing college football, it amazes me that my experience actually exceeded those dreams. I am grateful to God for being my anchor through all the ups and downs.
"Many people reading this are probably thinking l, 'Wait, you're telling me this guy has another year of eligibility?' The answer is yes. And while it sounds fun to drag out my college career until I collect social security, I'm ready for my next chapter. I feel perfectly content with my college career, capping it off with a Pac-12 Championship."
Covey quickly became a fan favorite at Utah with his shifty ability and his quick vision that was matched only by his ability to take hard hits and jump back up for more. Arguably, his most notable moment as a member of the Utes football team was a 78-yard punt return touchdown against Oregon in the penultimate game of the regular season.
The moment, which cemented Utah's spot in its third Pac-12 championship game, had the fans chanting his name every time he trotted onto the field to take a punt against Colorado a week later. Covey said he got caught up in the moment and wanted to direct the crowd.
Covey grew up in the shadows of LaVell Edwards Stadium of BYU but committed to Utah after they were the first school to offer him. A former quarterback, Covey finished the 2015 (5-9 yards), 2018 (637 yards) and 2020 (264 yards) seasons as the team's leading receiver and finished the 2021 season just behind leader Brant Kuithe.
Joining Covey in leaving Utah early to prepare for the NFL draft is junior running back TJ Pledger, he tweeted Thursday.
The Oklahoma transfer spent only one season at Utah but was part of a running back room that was the 14th best rushing offense in the country that averaged 216.54 yards per game.
Pledger was the second-leading rusher for the Utes this season and finished with 671 yards and six rushing touchdowns on 97 carries. The California native will conclude his collegiate career in the Rose Bowl.
"I would like to give glory to the man above for allowing me to play the sport I love and putting me in the position that I am in today," Pledger tweeted, in part.
A total of 19 juniors and seniors walked in Utah's final game of the regular season, though head coach Kyle Whittingham said there may be some players return for another season. Outside of the seniors, Covey and Pledger are the only players to indicate their future plans.
