RJ Harvey Scouting Report
By: Michael Higgins
(Image courtesy of John Raoux/AP Photo)
School: UCF
Class: Senior
Position: RB
HT: 5’8
WT: 205 lbs
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Background: RJ Harvey was a 3-star running back in the 2019 class out of Orlando, Florida. RJ was a teammate of fellow draftee, Nebraska CB Tommi Hill, at Edgewater High School. RJ Harvey spent time in high school as both quarterback and running back. His team reached the state semifinals in 2018. RJ Harvey committed to Virginia over App State and Georgia Tech.
College: Harvey redshirted in 2019 at Virginia before transferring to UCF. Harvey saw limited action as a redshirt freshman in 2020 and missed the entire 2021 season due to a preseason injury. Harvey came back and was a Second Team All-AAC selection after totaling 796 rushing yards. RJ was an honorable mention All-Big 12 selection in 2023 after rushing for 1,416 yards and 16 touchdowns. In 2024, Harvey improved upon those numbers with 1,577 yards and 22 touchdowns. This stat line was good enough to get Harvey named to the All-Big 12 First Team.
Strengths: RJ Harvey does well to go undetected between the tackles by lowering his head, getting low, and accelerating into the second level of the defense. Harvey brings the build of a bruising short yardage running back, but he has speed that is rare for anyone at the position. RJ has speed that allows him to bounce the ball to the outside and burn defenses on the perimeter. Even the faster defensive backs have trouble keeping up with Harvey’s long speed. Harvey has been a workhorse for consecutive seasons, proving his productivity and reliability. He loves to get dirty and invite contact. Defenders bounce off him quickly as Harvey always survives initial contact. He has incredible contact balance. When he takes contact, he does not decelerate or lose momentum. RJ Harvey has the ability to shake defenders in open space to extend plays.
Weaknesses: Harvey has a smaller stature, it is difficult to envision him taking on the same workhorse role that he has at UCF in the NFL. Harvey is patient to a fault. He seems to want to wait for the home run opportunity on every play instead of taking what the defense gives him. There are times when Harvey should rely on his strength and low center of gravity to run through defenders, but instead chooses to either attempt a double move or just goes down too easily. Harvey does not have pass protection down like NFL teams would hope from a running back. He has trouble with any blitzer or edge rusher. He just does not have the size or length to absorb that kind of contact.
Conclusion: RJ Harvey is a home run hitter in the backfield who is a threat to make anything happen on any given play. He can wear down a defense between the tackles and can also turn on the burners on the perimeter.
Scheme Fit: Zone Rushing Offense
Ideal Role: Starting RB
Best Team Fits: LVR, CHI, DAL
Player Comparison: Maurice Jones-Drew
Player Grade: Round 2 (80.6)
