Covaliu played running back, wide receiver, and defensive back during his high school career. Covaliu totaled 1,347 rushing yards, 1,583 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns, in addition to posting 124 tackles, 10 interceptions, a forced fumble and fumble recovery on defense.[4] He was named All-League running back by MaxPreps and The Gazette (Maryland) as a senior in 2011.[5]
Wrestling
Covaliu was the first Maryland state champion wrestler at Walter Johnson since 1976 and is currently the second ever state champion. As a senior in 2012, Covaliu won the MPSSAA State Championship Tournament at the 182 pound weight class.[6] As a Junior in 2011, he placed second in the state of Maryland at the 160 pound weight class.[7] Covaliu additionally won 10 total individual tournament championships including his two-time Maryland 4A West Regional Championships and his Montgomery County Championship.[8] Covaliu was named All-Met by The Washington Post and All-Gazette by The Gazette (Maryland) in his senior year. He currently holds the Walter Johnson High School record for most varsity wrestling wins (126).[9]
As a freshman in 2012 Covaliu appeared in four games for the Crusaders on special teams. In his game against #8 Ranked Lehigh (Nov. 8), Covaliu forced and recovered a fumble to set up a Holy Cross touchdown. Covaliu also had had a pair of tackles at Wagner (Nov. 10) and one solo tackle against Fordham (Oct. 27).[13]
In his first season with the Saint Anselm Hawks, Covaliu led the team in rushing and had over 1000 all-purpose yards and eight rushing touchdowns. Covaliu was selected to the Northeast-10 All-Conference team and the JSRAll-America team. In his second game with the Hawks against Southern Connecticut State University (Sept.13), Covaliu scored the game-winning touchdown to lead Saint Anselm to a 23–20 overtime victory. This was the first 2–0 start for the Hawks since 2004.[17] Covaliu helped guide the Hawks to their first winning season in 14 years. The 6–5 season was a five-game turnaround that equaled the total victories from the previous four years combined. Covaliu ranked fourth in the league in both yards and touchdowns, fifth in yards per carry, and sixth in yards per contest.[18]
2015
Covaliu started all 11 games for the Hawks in 2015. He ran the ball 192 times for 1,005 yards and nine touchdowns. His 1,005 rushing yard was the second highest in program history for rushing yards in a season. Covaliu registered 1,695 all-purpose yards on the season which ranked fifth highest in program history.[19] Covaliu set several records in his game against LIU Post (Sept. 19). He finished with 272 All-Purpose yards and 259 Rushing yards which set the single game program record. His 88-yard touchdown scamper ranks as the longest run from scrimmage and the longest touchdown run in program history.[20] Covaliu also ranks fourth all-time in career rushing yards (1,627) and career rushing touchdowns (16) in only two seasons with the Hawks.[21]
On April 15, 2018, Covaliu attended a Free-Agent Workout with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Following the workout, Covaliu was invited to attend Mini-Camp with the BC Lions. He attended the three-day camp from April 25–27, 2018.
Iowa Barnstormers
In 2020, Covaliu competed in the Iowa Barnstormers' two-week training camp and was signed to the team. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Indoor Football League season was cancelled prior to the Barnstormers' first game. Covaliu remained with the Barnstormers for the 2021 season.[25]