Britain Covey returned to Utah’s football practice field last August, eager to enjoy “the greatest time in your life” after two years away from college. Yet he understands why teammates would walk away from the game.
Ute coach Kyle Whittingham is proud of the staff’s record of sending players to the NFL. But he’s aware of the commitment that’s required to stay and play at that level.
Retirement stories have become common around Utah’s program, and they’re not unique to the Utes. The latest, and most surprising, move came just before preseason camp started last week when starting linebacker Manny Bowen told coaches he was leaving for “business opportunities” rather than play one season for the Utes as a graduate student.