COACHE'S GAME BALL: Duvontae Covington

Winston-Salem junior defensive lineman Duvontae Covington (97) celebrates the Ram's victory over Slippery Rock. - Andrew Dye/W-S Journal

Even though the Rams have been crushing competition, Head Coach Kienus Boulware still rates the team at "B-", suggesting that there’s much room for improvement.

Boulware has selected Duvontae Covington, a 6-foot-2 senior defensive lineman, as the recipient for this issue’s Coach’s Game Ball.

Covington is one of the leaders on the defensive line, and is a "workhorse" said Boulware. Boulware also describes Covington as "a man amongst boys" as he leads the interior defense with 34 tackles on the season (stats good as of Oct. 18).

The physical education major from Greensboro was one of the original members of the recruiting class of 2010.

Though WSSU football has stiff competition in the CIAA, according to Boulware, they are still on a quest for the national title.

Boulware strongly feels that Covington will contribute largely.

Argus: Why did you choose to play football at WSSU?

Covington: I had three choices: Winston-Salem State, UNC-Pembroke and Fayetteville State. When I visited here, it felt like home and the environment was more comfortable.

Argus: Describe your feelings following the victory on homecoming.

Covington: This was my last homecoming, and I felt like I did a pretty good job. I earned defensive player of the game honors from the team and the conference (CIAA).

Argus: What impact do you believe you made throughout your four years with the football program?

Covington: I’ve been a positive guy. If I didn’t play a lot I contributed the best way I could.

Argus: How do you balance being a member of a fraternity, a student-athlete, and being involved in your major?

Covington: I make sure that I prioritize everything. When I first came here, I didn’t know that I would be in a fraternity. Ultimately, I put school first, football second, and the fraternity third.

Argus: Is there anyone you look up to for inspiration as an athlete?

Covington: I look up to Ray Lewis [Retired Baltimore Ravens defensive player.].

Argus: What are your plans after graduation?

Covington: I’m still deciding on whether I should go to grad school, keep playing football and find a job in my field. For now, I’m just going to wait until the season ends to see how everything plays out.

Argus: What has been your greatest challenge as a WSSU football player?

Covington: Remaining humble. With all the success we’ve had, I learned to keep my head straight and to stay focused on our final goal, which is winning a national championship.

Argus: What do you do in your spare time?

Covington: I’m older [22] now, so I like to chill and watch TV and movies. I take some free time to socialize with friends.

Argus: What long-lasting effect will being a student and an athlete at this University have on you as a person?

Covington: I’ve learned many valuable things here, and football has molded me into the man that I am today. Playing football helped me to become more mature as well.