Covington attended Al Raby High School, where he played as a quarterback and defensive back.

After Tre Roberson and Cam Coffman announced they would be transferring to other schools, Covington was moved to be the backup quarterback behind Nate Sudfeld.

In the sixth game against the University of Iowa, he saw extensive action after Sudfeld was injured with a separated left shoulder in the second quarter, registering 3 out of 12 completions for 31 yards, 11 carries for 41 yards,[3] but suffered a season-ending torn ACL during the contest.

He earned his first career start in the eleventh game against the University of Michigan, making 6 tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble.

[5] As a senior, he started all 12 games at middle linebacker, replacing the recently graduated Oliver.

[7][8] He was promoted to the active roster on September 10, only to be waived four days later and re-signed back to the practice squad.