Figures to open the season as a starter at outside linebacker ... has contributed significantly on special teams and as a backup the last three seasons.

1999: Played in all 13 games as a junior ... tallied a season-high four tackles against Western State (Sept. 11) and Augustana (Nov. 13) ... recorded his second career interception in season-opening victory at Angelo State (Sept. 4) ... tallied 28 tackles on the season.

1998: Recorded 30 tackles for the Bears, including 19 solos ... also had two tackles-for-loss, one sack, one interception and one fumble recovery ... tallied five tackles and a fumble recovery against Adams State in the season opener (Sept. 5) ... had four tackles in the Bears' four-overtime win at Minnesota State (Oct. 17).

1997: Recorded 15 tackles, mostly on special teams ... also recovered one fumble.

1996: Redshirted.

High School: Earned Rocky Mountain News second team class 5A all-state honors as a senior ... was Coronado's most valuable player on two occasions ... also participated in basketball and track ... named outstanding student-athlete in 1996 ... member of Coronado High School Hall of Fame ... high school football coach: Mark Buchannan.

Personal: Born October 12, 1977 in Colorado Springs ... son of Kim Kovel ... majoring in human biology.

Kovel's Career Statistics (Regular Season Only)
YearUTATTTT/LossSacksFRInt.PBU
1997411150/00100
19981911302/31.0110
19991117281/61.0110
Totals3439733/92.0320