Armwood’s Covington: Toledo “felt like family”

Posted Jan 22, 2012 by Bill Ward

Updated Jan 22, 2012 at 08:20 PM

Like many high school athletes who make a commitment to a college program, Armwood defensive lineman Allen Covington says his decision to attend the University of Toledo next fall came down to the vibe he got during his official visit.

After travelling to the school in Ohio this weekend, Covington, a first team all-Hillsborough County selection by the Tampa Tribune last season, said he knew almost immediately after arriving on campus the Rockets were right for him.

“It really felt like family up there,” the 6-foot-2, 265-pound Covington said. “Everything went real well. The students were real nice, the coaches, we seem to really bond, and I have a chance to go up there and play early and be the man. That’s what I’m going to get ready for.”

Covington’s finalists included Florida Atlantic, Colorado State, Akron and Toledo. After official trips to FAU and Colorado, Covington had planned to visit Akron next week. But after his visit this weekend to Toledo, which he took on his own, Covington says he will no longer be taking that Akron trip.

Covington says he has already qualified academically and holds an unweighted grade point average above 3.0. He says he will major in criminal justice at Toledo.

Toledo plays in the Mid-American Conference and the Rockets’ football team has won the conference nine times. Last season, the Rockets went 9-4 and played in the Military Bowl in Washington, D.C., where they defeated Air Force 42-41.

Covington said he was impressed with the Rockets’ campus, athletic facilities and the city of Toledo, which he says supports the school’s sports teams. And now that he’s made his choice, Covington says he is releived.

“The recruiting process is over for me,” Covington said. “I’ve found my home so I’m good now.”