RJ Harvey striving to be the big fish in a small pond of elite rushers
UCF running back RJ Harvey runs for a first down during the second quarter against Kansas State Saturday September 23, 2023 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
LAS VEGAS — Last season he emerged from the shadows, and produced a magnificent campaign with the Knights, but received no All-Big 12 consideration.
RJ Harvey had every right to feel snubbed about the entire ordeal. After all, his 1,416 yards on the ground were the third-most in program history. Not to mention Harvey’s 16 rushing touchdowns tied for second for a UCF player.
However, Harvey happens to be in the same conference as the reigning Doak Walker Award winner, as well as four other returning 1,000-yard rushers. Harvey knows he’s in a deep league of elite running backs, and respects what each individual brings to the position, but believes he’s the best of the bunch.
And that speaks volumes, considering Harvey is a converted quarterback. There was a learning curve to becoming a high-caliber rusher. Harvey continues to work on his craft day by day, and wants to be the complete weapon out of the backfield.
“Just being more physical, working on my pass-blocking, that was probably the most difficult part switching to running back,” Harvey said. “As a rusher I feel like I’m very patient, I know how to serve blocks, I can make a move on anybody, and I’m fast too, so I’m versatile.”
Harvey is excited about UCF’s running back room, especially Cincinnati transfer Myles Montgomery. Competition is fierce on the field, but everyone is having fun in the locker room, and Harvey is embracing being a leader of the group. Which is why he’s confident in the unit’s potential approaching fall camp.
“Our running back room we’re close together, we always workout together, chill together, I love being around those guys,” he said. “Whoever is on the field they’re going to eat, so when I come out of the game, there shouldn’t be a drop off.”
Coach Gus Malzahn is in awe of Harvey’s growth at the position. He knows Harvey sees the game differently, being a former gunslinger. Malzahn anticipates opposing Defensive Coordinators will be looking to stop Harvey, so he’s coming up with a variety of ways to get him the ball. Malzahn has a history of getting the most out of his running backs, and Harvey has yet to reach his ceiling.
“He’s very versatile, there’s nothing like getting out there and having to be the guy, understanding protections and everything that goes with it,” Malzahn said. “I’ve been real blessed to have some really, really good running backs in the past, but he’s at least in that same conversation, and I think the sky’s the limit for him if he stays healthy this year.”
Harvey wants to showcase his hands more this season, and is always working on polishing his routes. He’ll be taking handoffs from KJ Jefferson now, who has multiple seasons of starting experience at Arkansas. The offense is looking promising in Harvey’s eyes, and the leadership Jefferson brings to the locker will help down the stretch.
As far as goals for 2024, Harvey just wants to dominate and have no fumbles. Last year his goal was to rush for 1,500-plus yards, and came within striking distance of accomplishing that feat. Now he’s all about helping the team make it to the Big 12 Championship Game, and win it.
Harvey is willing to be a workhorse if needed, and takes pride in putting his foot on the gas in the second half of games. With 2,212 rushing yards over the past two seasons, Harvey won’t be sneaking up on anyone this time around. The Florida native understands a huge bullseye is going to be on his jersey. Regardless, Harvey is embracing the attention, and plans on taking advantage of the spotlight.
“They can key all they want to, I’m not really worried about because we got weapons all across the field, so I’m still going to do what I do, and I’m still going to eat.”
