IUFB Pro Day Primer: Linebacker Chris Covington

Chris Covington Image: Sammy Jacobs Hoosier Huddle

Written by Evan McShane (@veryreasonable)

Chris Covington was an unheralded two-star recruit from Raby High School in Chicago, just two and a half miles west of the United Center. Covington played defensive back and quarterback in high school. He earned all-city and all-conference selections after throwing for 1,993 yards and 26 touchdowns as a senior. Covington added 657 rushing yards and 13 more touchdowns on the ground. The dynamic athlete also recorded three interceptions and a forced fumble. He became the first athlete from Raby High School to receive a Division I scholarship. Covington joined Indiana football as a member of the 2014 recruiting class.

Although he wasn’t highly ranked, the multi-talented Covington was a very intriguing recruit. Standing at 6-foot-2, 210-pounds, the Hoosiers gave Covington a shot at quarterback. He appeared in five games at quarterback, primarily used as a threat in the running game. Unfortunately, Covington suffered a torn ACL as a true freshman, ending his season after just six games. Indiana was cautious with Covington’s rehabilitation because his injury occurred when he was so young. As a sophomore, Covington played in the final eight games of the season. The coaching staff made the decision to move Covington from quarterback to linebacker. This change may provide Covington with a serious opportunity at an NFL career.

Tom Allen stepped in as defensive coordinator and he made the most of Covington’s feel for the game. Covington appeared in all 13 games, making 29 tackles with two sacks and a forced fumble. His one sack came in the Foster Farms Bowl. He was IU’s special teams player of the week against Michigan State. Covington’s development was hampered by his untimely injury, but that didn’t stop the linebacker from evolving. With one year of eligibility left, Covington had to make the most of his final collegiate season. He surpassed expectations and turned in an impressive senior season. Covington proved the coaches decision to move him to linebacker was the right one.

Covington piled up 85 tackles, good enough for third on the team. He had 12 tackles for a loss and three sacks, proving to be a constant force in the backfield. Covington penetrated the line of scrimmage with ease using his size and athleticism. He also notched five pass breakups, which was third on the team. Covington’s experience as a quarterback undoubtedly heightened his football IQ as a linebacker. The Hoosiers relied on him as a leader and defensive play-caller at times. He was named IU defensive player of the week three times. Covington’s performance as a senior earned him an honorable mention by coaches and media for the All-Big Ten Team. Perhaps the best evidence of Covington’s impact on the Indiana defense is his IU Defensive Player of the Year Award.

As Indiana’s defense continued its remarkable improvement in 2017, the coaching staff regarded Chris Covington as the most vital player toward the team’s success. He finished his IU career having played 33 games as a linebacker. He managed 118 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss, and 5 sacks. Covington is still a raw prospect. He participated in the bench press and 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He ran 4.78 seconds in the 40-yard dash and 23 repetitions in bench press, which was tied for fourth among linebackers.

Quite frankly, it’s uncommon for a quarterback to change positions to linebacker during his college career and still earn an NFL combine invitation. There are obvious doubts about Covington’s experience at the linebacker position. He has tremendous potential based on his feel for the game, but he lacks the in-game experience of his draft-eligible peers. Covington is currently projected to be drafted in the seventh-round of the NFL Draft. Draftscout.com has him ranked 31st out of 179 total outside linebackers. Covington’s Hoosier career was short-lived due to injury, but he made sure his impact was known. In the event he doesn’t get drafted, Covington’s physical presence and football IQ will afford him a great opportunity to make an NFL roster or practice squad. IU football fans should keep an eye out for Chris Covington, he just might make some noise in the pros.

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