Anthony Covington, a former Charlotte 49ers defensive back, recently made his professional debut in the Canadian Football League with the Toronto Argonauts in the team's first preseason game.
Covington, who had three tackles in the contest, played in 29 games in three seasons with the 49ers, making 15 starts. He is the 49ers all-time leader with 17 career pass breakups (PBU). He amassed 85 tackles in his career with two interceptions, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble. In addition to his role as a defensive back, Covington saw time as a kick returner.
He is the latest former 49ers player to join the professional ranks.
Headlining the group is Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi, who holds school records for sacks and tackles for loss. A First Team all-Conference USA selection in 2016, Ogunjobi was the first 49ers football player selected in the NFL Draft. He was the first pick of the third round (65th overall) of the 2017 draft by the Browns. In his rookie season, he played in 14 games, making one start. He had 32 tackles (17 solo) with 1.0 sack. According to Pro Football Focus, Ogunjobi was among the top rookie interior defenders in run-stop percentage.
Defensive lineman Brandon Banks, who was promoted to the Washington Redskins active roster in November 2017, played in one game with the Redskins and recorded a solo tackle against Minnesota.
All-time leading wide receiver Austin Duke is continuing his NFL career with the Carolina Panthers. He had two stints on the Panthers' practice squad in 2017 and signed a reserve future contract with Carolina in January 2018. He is currently taking part in the team's OTAs.
All-time leading running back Kalif Phillips signed with the Green Bay Packers (2017) as an undrafted free agent and was invited to the Carolina Panthers rookie mini-camp this spring.
Defensive back Branden Dozier, who had a career-high 86 tackles as a senior in 2015, signed with the CFL's Montreal Alouettes in 2017. Dozier played in 18 games with Montreal in 2017, recording 66 defensive tackles, 15 special teams tackles and two sacks. He scored a touchdown on a 20-yard fumble return against Calgary. He participated in the Pittsburgh Steelers 2016 rookie mini-camp, before signing with Montreal as a free agent.
In June 2017, offensive lineman Casey Perry signed with the Colorado Crush of the Indoor Football League.
Defensive back Desmond Cooper plays professionally overseas. Cooper, who was the first 49er to sign with an NFL team when he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars following that team’s 2105 rookie mini-camp, signed with the two-time defending Polish League Champion Wroclaw Panthers. He played in 2017 with Denmark's Sollerod Gold Diggers, helping them reach the Danish final.
Former 49ers defensive lineman James Middleton signed with the Maine Mammoths of the National Arena League in January 2018.