
Utah kick returner Britain Covey just delivered the most electric play of the day in the first half of today’s Rose Bowl.
Following a touchdown from Ohio State to draw the Utes’ lead to 21-14, the fifth-year senior received the kickoff and took it all the way to the crib with a series of incredible jukes and cuts.
Take a look at the big-time, 97-yard return here:
BRITAIN COVEY HOUSE CALL
This Rose Bowl is insane 🌹 #CFB
— PFF College Football (@PFF_College) January 1, 2022
While the play itself was incredible, much of the attention after this return was drawn to Covey’s advanced age and experience as a college football star.
Covey, now 24 years old, started with the Utah program as a freshman in 2015. Electing to go on his Morman LDS mission after earning freshman All-American honors, he returned to the program as a sophomore in 2018.
“Britain Covey IS the Grandaddy of them all,” one fan joked.
“Britain Covey, everyone’s favorite retirement-age collegian,” Sports Illustrated’s Pat Forde added.
“The NCAA should allow players like Britain Covey stay/play in college as long as they want. Get a masters…a doctorate,” another added.
Britain Covey's first game in college was Jim Harbaugh's first game in Michigan. He led Utah in receiving that day.
Britain Covey could start his career with a win against Michigan and end it with a win against Ohio State.
— Avinash Kunnath (@avinashkunnath) January 1, 2022
Britain Covey started at Utah in 2015.
He just returned a kickoff for a touchdown in 2022.
📹 @espnpic.twitter.com/SoR8x0KQg9
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) January 1, 2022
This kind of play from Covey is nothing new.
The veteran wide receiver/returner is a two-time All-American for his efforts as a punt returner — taking back four returns for touchdowns prior to today’s game.
In the first half alone, the Utes and Buckeyes have combined for a whopping 56 points. Underdog Utah leads 35-21 with two minutes remaining before the halftime break.
In addition to his kick return, Britain Covey also had a 19-yard touchdown catch to open the game. Despite having one more year of eligibility, this will be his final game with the Utah program.