BY CLIFF SMELLEY
Telegraph Staff Writer
Can Bradford High School senior Ahman Covington make a name for himself at the University of Florida?
If you listen to him talk, you get the impression he’ll settle for nothing less.
Covington was one of five BHS players who participated in a signing ceremony on March 7. He didn’t receive a scholarship offer from UF, but he’s being given the opportunity to join the Gators as a preferred walk-on.
The chance came about due to hard work and determination, Covington said, explaining that his life has served as an inspiration to do great things.
“I’m blessed with this opportunity. Coming from where I came from and the obstacles I went through, I think God put me here for a reason,” Covington said, adding, “My mama, she passed when I was 3. That just gave me that motivation. My daddy, he’s gone. He’s in prison. It’s just motivation.”
Then, looking toward his BHS teammates, Covington said, “If it wasn’t for those boys right here, I would never have come this far.”
Being a preferred walk-on means Covington is guaranteed a roster spot, though he won’t be receiving any financial aid, at least for the first year.
“You never know what kind of scholarships and other things like that he’ll be able to get (in the future),” BHS Head Coach Jamie Rodgers said, “but I’ve had that a few times over the years — guys who probably had offers elsewhere and could’ve gone elsewhere, but who decided to go to a place where they always wanted to go to for a PWO.
“I can understand that. In-state tuition is a lot less. I understand the decision.”
Covington said some of the schools he was considering included Kansas State, Vanderbilt and Division I FCS schools Alabama State and Grambling State.
However, the chance to stay close to home and become a Gator seemed to him to be God’s plan for his future.
“It’s a great program,” Covington said. “I had the chance to talk to the players and meet the new defensive coordinator (Austin Armstrong). I think (the program is) going to be great for years to come. The Gators are definitely building something.”
Covington, at 6-0, 203, was listed as a defensive back on the BHS roster, but he started a game at inside linebacker and started multiple games at outside linebacker.
“His versatility in the back half of the defense is what sets him apart, in my opinion,” Rodgers said.
Covington played at Gainesville High School in 2021, recording 72 tackles and five sacks as a linebacker.
Rodgers said Covington returning to Bradford County was an asset for his team.
“He gave us a shot in the arm on defense,” Rodgers said. “What he did was give us a lot of depth.
At GHS in 2021, Covington recorded 72 tackles and five sacks as a linebacker. He made 44 tackles and had one interception for Bradford last season.
Rodgers said one thing Covington will have to do when he gets to UF is to get in the weight room and get bigger and stronger. Covington added he has to focus on his ball skills as a defensive back, but then said he simply has to improve in everything.
“As a DB coming out of high school, I don’t know everything,” Covington said. “I’m not perfect at everything. I’m looking to just learn everything.”
Rodgers said Covington may have thought some of the things he went through playing in high school were hard, but his experience will be nothing like what he’s about to go through.
“Now, it’s real,” Rodgers said. “Now, you’re the guy who gets beat up on every day, but what comes with that is a chance to make a name for yourself. Hopefully, Ahman will stick with it and do that.”
Covington said, “I’m not going to put too much pressure on myself, but I’m definitely coming to work.”
