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Pac-12 Football: Breakout player from every team for 2016

By Gabe Encinas

October 24, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Utes wide receiver Britain Covey (18) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Southern California Trojans during the first half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
October 24, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Utes wide receiver Britain Covey (18) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Southern California Trojans during the first half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 31, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes wide receiver Britain Covey (18) moves the ball against Oregon State Beavers wide receiver Datrin Guyton (9) during the first half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes wide receiver Britain Covey (18) moves the ball against Oregon State Beavers wide receiver Datrin Guyton (9) during the first half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Britain Covey was the freshman wide receiver version of Christian McCaffrey for Utah last season. Not to say that Covey will replicate the Heisman runner-up, but he was a utility guy in the offense and on special teams.

The true freshman got significant reps on offense as the slot receiver, hauling in 43 receptions for 519 yards and four touchdowns. He’s a shifty receiver that can make a play in open space or grind out the tough yards in a short yardage situation.

Where he’ll likely breakout is in the return game. He returned 21 punts for the Utes, averaging almost 12 yards a touch, totaling 246 yards and one touchdown. This is where you see that playmaking ability in open space. He also returned kicks, averaging 24 yards a return.

He’s an explosive receiver and as a true sophomore, he’s going to be turning heads in the Pac-12 this season.

Next: 1. Cameron Smith

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