Raheem Covington returns to Big Blue
Published on April 21, 2004 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers News Release
WINNIPEG, MB â The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today brought back one of their outstanding mid-season finds from 2003 by re-signing cornerback Raheem Covington.
Covington (5-9, 183, Northwestern '02, DOB: Dec. 27, 1979 in Philadelphia, PA) comes back for his 2nd season with the Big Blue.
"We're very excited to have Raheem return and to have him in our training camp for the first time," said Winnipeg's general manager & vice-president of football operations Brendan Taman. "He has shown us that he has good skills and he has gained some experience in this league. We fully expect him to make our team."
THE CFL YEARS â 2003
The Blue Bombers added the promising young cornerback to their roster, Aug. 10, 2003. He is a small, speedy corner who covers opposing receivers well and has above-average leaping ability.
Covington appeared in five regular-season games for Winnipeg in 2003. He totaled 16 defensive tackles, five pass knockdowns and one special teams tackle.
He had an impressive debut in his inaugural CFL game, tallying three defensive tackles and one special teams tackle against the Renegades (Winnipeg vs. Ottawa, Aug. 12, 2003).
He dominated in the club's September game against the British Columbia Lions, recording a team season-high of eight defensive tackles against the Leos (Winnipeg vs. British Columbia, Sept. 20, 2003).
Covington placed 3rd in the Winnipeg Blue Bombers record books for pass knockdowns by a rookie with five â a remarkable feat for someone who only played in five contests.
THE COLLEGE YEARS â NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS
As a senior, Covington became one of the top defenders for the Northwestern University Wildcats. He ended his four-year college career in 2nd place in the school's record books for pass knockdowns (24) and 9th in interceptions (7).
Covington, the cousin of Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne and the cousin of former Buffalo Bills linebacker Damien Covington, finished with 201 defensive tackles as a Wildcat.
THE 2002 SEASON
Covington was the only senior to start every game for Northwestern in 2002. He led the school in interceptions with four, placing 3rd in the Big Ten in that category.
His highlights included a game against Texas Christian where he recorded six defensive tackles and three tackles for a loss. Against Michigan State, he ripped two interceptions out of the hands of All-American receiver Charles Rogers. He added six defensive tackles and two pass knockdowns in the contest.
After the season, he won the school's Rashidi Wheeler Award, which is given to the player that best represents the spirit and enthusiasm of the late Wildcat athlete.
THE 2001 SEASON
Covington started every game at corner and notched 55 defensive tackles, nine pass knockdowns, four forced fumbles and two interceptions.
THE 2000 SEASON
Seeing his first action as a starter, Covington won the Gridiron Network's Defensive Newcomer of the Year Award for his outstanding play. He started every game at left corner, pickup 81 defensive tackles, four pass knockdowns, one interception and one fumble return.
THE 1999 SEASON
Covington played in 10 games as a defensive backup and a member of the special teams units. He had 15 defensive tackles, two pass knockdowns and a blocked punt.
THE HIGH-SCHOOL YEARS â OVERBROOK HIGH SCHOOL
Covington did it all as an athlete at Overbrook High School in Pine Hills, New Jersey.
Playing on the offensive side of the ball, he averaged 9.5 yards per carry as a runningback, scoring 15 touchdowns along the way. Defensively, he had six interceptions. He earned All-Conference and All-Group A All-Star honors as a senior.
An honor roll member, Covington lettered four times in football, three times in track and twice in basketball.
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