“When we looked at Anfernee coming out, that’s a guy that did a lot of good things at Alabama, whether it was playing off the ball, on the ball, at buck, he did a good amount of things for them,” Covington said, “and really that’s how we use him here within our defense where he can do a good amount of things with his athletic ability. …

“He’s done a great job of carving out a role for himself. And again, you see in his performance, his preparation, his work, his day-to-day operation, his routine, you’re being able to see the seeds that he sowed for three years for us. Out there on Sundays or whatever day we play, you’re able to see that. And I’m glad he’s able to see the fruit.”

Jennings said he still meets with the linebackers sometimes.

“I started off here more with the linebackers in Mayo’s room,” Jennings said, “and I kind of try to still keep that relationship and try and go in there and meet sometimes just to let them know I’m still here. I consider myself a hybrid, so I do a little bit of everything and just keeping that alive.”

Jennings was inactive for New England’s first two games this season. But the former Dadeville High School standout has come on to start the Patriots’ past nine contests.

“His ability to take advantage of opportunities, and every year he’s played for us, he’s done hell of a job of just answering the bell every week,” Covington said. “Every week, get better. He’s gotten better every week. He does a really good job and he’s a part of the reason why our run defense has been so successful this year. I’m just excited for him, happy for him because he’s put in so much work. He’s gone a really good job. Whatever we ask him to do, he does it well beyond the task.”