I'm always in (Covey's) ear. I tell him stay on me as well. He does something, (and) I’m letting him know whether good or bad and vice versa. I tell him that make sure you push me when you see me doing something, slacking off, whatever. – Bubba Poole
SALT LAKE CITY — Perhaps the most entertaining battle of Utah’s fall camp has been for the top slot receiver position.
It’s also an important battle for wide receiver coach Taylor Stubblefield to pick apart.
“I’m used to having really good slot receivers, whether it be Michael Campanaro at Wake Forest or Lamaar Thomas at New Mexico, Marvon Sanders at Illinois State,” Stubblefield said. “I’m used to having slot guys — guys that are shifty, guys that can move, the guy that has that savviness.”
In Monday’s most recent depth chart release, senior Bubba Poole and true freshman Britain Covey were each listed as co-starters. A week ago, it was junior college transfer Cory Butler-Byrd atop the race, but he spent last week and the start of the final week playing cornerback.
The two now fighting for the starting spot at the position each has unusual routes to get there. Poole switched over from running back, which he had played his entire time at Utah, back in spring camp, while Covey played quarterback in high school last season.
The learning curves after have been different for both. For example, Stubblefield said Poole is a playmaker, but still needs to improve his route running.
“(Poole) is used to maybe shuffling to the right, getting the ball downhill, maybe shuffle to the left and get the ball downhill,” Stubblefield said. “The same (receiver) route could have four different ways to run the route. That’s been the adjustment for Bubba, (who) is really understanding the ins and outs, and that’s going to come with time.”
Despite some of the big adjustments, Poole said he has enjoyed his time as a wide receiver.
“I’m starting to love slot, understanding the scheme of things,” the senior said. “Loving the plays, the design, just the things I’m supposed to do at the slot position.”
Covey on the other hand is much smaller, but then again Stubblefield also compared Covey, listed as 5-foot-8 and 166 pounds, to Muhammad Ali, because of his ability to avoid hits. Though the freshman had experience playing wide receiver in high school, he is jumping into a new offense at a new level with just a few weeks of camp experience.
“It’s definitely more high-paced and up tempo,” Covey said. “Everything is more intense, but I think it’s all about the attitude and mentality that you have. I love it. I love it up here, and it is a faster game, but you get used to it.”
The rookie at the vet also shares lockers next to the other, which conveniently gives the two an opportunity to bounce feedback off each other during camp and when the season begins.
Though one is heading into his fourth year with the program and the other is experiencing his first, it’s a learning period for both.
“I’m always in his ear,” Poole said. “I tell him stay on me as well. He does something, (and) I’m letting him know whether good or bad and vice versa. I tell him that make sure you push me when you see me doing something, slacking off, whatever.”
The team is slated for a closed off scrimmage on Tuesday, which very well could determine the depth chart for the team’s season opener against Michigan on Sept. 3. Stubblefield said he’s anticipating good production from either candidate heading into the contest.
“It’s a great combination right now,” Stubblefield said. He is excited "to see who’s really going to take the majority of the reps come (Sept. 3).”