Running back Manny Covey spoke to the media ahead of Memphis’ first game of the season against UNLV. The running back answered questions about his decision to transfer to Memphis and the dynamics of the running backs room.
Covey transfered to Memphis from Cincinnati, and he’s competing with two other transfers in the backfield. Last week, the running back was named to the Doak Walker Award Watch List, and he has been named a preseason Group of Six All-American as a punt returner.
Here’s what Covey said ahead of Saturday’s game.
Decision to join the Tigers:
After spending three years at Cincinnati, Covey entered the transfer portal and landed with the Tigers. The running back said the decision went deeper than football, and Memphis’ staff separated themselves by building a relationship off the field.
“To be honest, just coach Huff and also the running backs coach, coach [Telly Lockette],” Covey said. “They’re just two amazing people, and I was looking into their program. They’ve coached some amazing people and came from amazing places. So, I just felt like it was a good decision, and it’s about relationships, you know what I’m saying? He just dove deep into my personal life and outside of football, like thought more of me as a person. So, that’s why I chose Memphis.”
Running backs room:
Covey is battling with Southern Miss transfer Jaylin Carter and Colorado transfer Dallan Hayden for the starting running back job, but he said that the competition hasn’t hurt their relationship, and he has confidence the Tigers will be in good hands no matter who starts at running back.
“To be honest, with the running backs room, we’re all great in that room,” Covey said. “It’s greatness when we walk into that room. So, to be honest, we don’t care who goes out there first or how we do it rotation wise. Whoever is on the field is going to get the job done. That’s how we see it in that room.”
Huff will likely play all three running backs throughout the season, and it will be interesting to see how the rotation works, especially in Saturday’s game against UNLV.
Kevin Decker’s offense:
Covey was asked about new offensive coordinator Kevin Decker, and he immediately lit up. It seems like every offensive player is extremely excited about Decker’s offense, including Covey.
The Cincinnati transfer mainly spoke about the running backs role in the offense, and he said it’s a system that will feature the running backs in the pass-game, which is an area Covey thrived in with the Bearcats.
“With the running backs, he’s going to use us,” Covey said. “That being in the pass game. Outside receiver, slot receiver, running from the backfield. He uses us a lot, so I’m very excited for that.”
