By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
Gecova “Cova” Doyal, a composite four-star interior offensive lineman from Puyallup High School and the No. 3-ranked player in Washington’s Class of 2027 according to 247Sports, has announced his commitment to the University of Washington, choosing the Huskies over 19 other scholarship offers, including Oregon, Miami and UCLA.
For the 6-foot-3, 285-pound lineman, the decision came down to more than football. It was about finding a place that felt like home.
“When I made my final decision, I felt a lot of peace,” said Doyal. “There was excitement, but also relief because the recruiting process can be stressful. In that moment, I just felt like everything I worked for was coming together.”
A two-time First Team All-Area selection, North SPSL Offensive Lineman of the Year, First Team All-State selection and Second Team MaxPreps All-American, Doyal has established himself as one of the premier offensive linemen in the Northwest. He also earned Offensive Line MVP honors twice at the AveryStrong Showcase while maintaining a 3.5 GPA and earning Dean’s List honors at Pierce College during both the fall and winter quarters.
Playing major college football has long been one of Doyal’s goals, but he said reaching this milestone has given him a greater appreciation for the work it took to get there.
“Younger me definitely always dreamed about playing big-time college football, but I don’t think I fully understood what it would take to get here,” said Doyal. “Reaching this point means a lot to me personally because I know how much work went into it. It feels good to know that all of that effort helped me earn this opportunity. Everything happens for a reason when you keep faith in God and stay locked in.”
Doyal, who describes himself as naturally quiet, said finding a program where he felt comfortable being himself played a major role in his decision.
“The feeling I got every time I was around the program stood out to me. It felt really comfortable and like a place where I could be myself,” said Doyal. “Washington’s culture and vision separated them from the other schools. The coaches really care about development, education, and building something the right way. Feeling that connection made it feel like home.”
With 20 scholarship offers to consider, narrowing his choices was no easy task. Doyal said he evaluated each opportunity based on relationships, long-term development and finding a program that believed in him as both a player and a person before deciding Washington offered the best overall fit.
“I wanted a school that believed in me as a player but also cared about me as a person. Washington checked all of those boxes and felt like the best fit for my future,” said Doyal. “My conversations with the coaching staff showed me that they have a real plan for me. They talked about developing me, helping me grow as an offensive lineman, and preparing me for the next level.”
Puyallup head coach DJ Mims said Doyal’s talent is matched by his character.
“His character makes him stand out from other players,” says Mims. “He interacts with people who are of older age with a ton of respect, and that just comes from being raised the right way.”
Mims said Doyal’s success is also the result of the work he puts in when no one is watching.
“In order to be a great athlete who wants to play at the next level, you have to do what’s not required. And what is not required is what you do in the off-season, and Cova shows up in the off-season,” said Mims. “He is training multiple times a day at AEP, working on his body in the weight room, and those are things that not every kid does. He takes it seriously about getting the development he needs to be successful at the next level.”
Doyal’s father, Jay Doyal, said Washington also offered the academic opportunities his son was looking for.
“Cova is a student-athlete who wants to study business. The UW Foster School of Business is highly ranked,” said Jay Doyal. “Being in a market with a professional football team and strong business connections adds value to future football and business aspirations.”
Doyal credited his family, coaches, teammates and friends for helping him reach this point and said staying close to home made the decision even more meaningful.
“I am thankful for my family first because they have been with me through everything. It is really exciting to stay close to home and represent Washington,” said Doyal. “Being able to play in front of family, friends, and people who have supported me from the beginning is special. It gives me extra motivation to make my city and state proud.”
His mother, Dawn Doyal, said watching her son’s years of hard work culminate in his commitment to Washington has been especially rewarding.
“Cova’s journey has been nothing short of amazing,” said Dawn Doyal. “His love for the game, unwavering dedication, and strong character have brought him to this moment, and I couldn’t be more proud.”
Dawn said one of the things that gave her the greatest peace throughout the recruiting process was seeing how Washington’s coaches consistently invested in her son beyond football.
“As his mom, one of the things that gave me the greatest peace was watching the coaches at UW show up for him every visit, genuinely check in on him over the years, and truly care about him as a person and not just a football player,” she said.
Now that his recruitment is complete, Doyal said his attention has shifted to his senior season at Puyallup, where he hopes to help lead the Vikings to a state championship.
“My main focus is leading my team and finishing high school with a state championship,” Doyal said. “I want us to compete every week, stay together, and push for something special.”
Mims believes Doyal is prepared to lead both on and off the field.
“We had a formal interview to name captains this year, and he came in in a suit and tie and assured us that he knows what he needs to do to step up from his captain status last year. He is focusing on being more of a vocal leader, which he is doing a great job with now,” Mims said. “He is an awesome teammate. Having him lead us to a state championship this year is a team goal of mine, and having him set the example with his actions.”
