Furman's Covington, Stewart To Play In Inaugural Magnolia Gridiron Classic This Saturday

Dec. 22, 2005

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman senior All-American guard Patrick Covington and center Corey Stewart will be participating in the inaugural Magnolia Gridiron Classic this Saturday in Jackson, Miss.

Kickoff for the Christmas eve contest, which will be televised by Fox Sports South, is slated for noon EST.

The game will feature top players from NCAA I-AA ranks against Division I talent. All 32 NFL teams will be scouting the event.

Last week both Paladins were named to a pair of All-America squads. Covington, a Charlotte, N.C., product was a first team Sports Network All-America selection and second team Associated Press pick. Stewart from Lilburn, Ga., was a second team honoree by both organizations.

The duo spearheaded the Southern Conference's most productive and balanced offense in 2005 -- one that averaged 469.9 yards per game. Three-year starters, the two-time All-SoCon honorees registered 34 career starts in their respective careers.

Furman posted an 11-3 record this fall and was ranked No. 3 in the final Sports Network NCAA I-AA poll.