Categories: College University Athletics

UCF University Running Back RJ Harvey Drafted by Broncos

RJ Harvey showcasing his athletic skills on the field during a game.

News Summary

RJ Harvey, former standout running back from UCF, has been selected by the Denver Broncos as the 60th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. After overcoming early career challenges, including an ACL injury, Harvey excelled at UCF, rushing for 1,416 yards in his final season. His impressive collegiate record and academic achievements position him as a promising prospect for the Broncos. With high expectations, Harvey looks to prove himself in the NFL and contribute to his team’s success.

Denver, Colorado – RJ Harvey, a standout running back from the University of Central Florida (UCF), was selected by the Denver Broncos as the 60th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. This marks a significant milestone in Harvey’s football career following his impressive performance at UCF, where he recorded a historic collegiate career.

Originally from Orlando, Florida, Harvey attended Edgewater High School before embarking on his football journey. He began his collegiate career at the University of Virginia, where he redshirted during the 2019 season. However, he later transferred to UCF, making the transition to a full-time running back after initially starting as a dual-threat quarterback.

Harvey faced challenges early in his career, including a torn ACL during the 2021 season. Despite this setback, he demonstrated resilience and made a successful comeback. By 2022, he earned All-American Athletic Conference (AAC) honors, and in the following year, he was recognized as one of the premier running backs in the Big 12. In his final season at UCF, Harvey rushed for a remarkable 1,416 yards and scored 16 touchdowns, placing him fourth in UCF’s single-season history for rushing yards.

Harvey particularly shined in the second half of the 2023 season, accumulating 1,038 rushing yards over the final eight games. His exceptional performance led to his recognition as a Doak Walker Award semifinalist, an accolade given to the nation’s top running backs. In addition to his athletic feats, Harvey graduated early from UCF in May 2023, earning a degree in interdisciplinary studies while making multiple appearances on the Dean’s List and being part of the 2022 AAC All-Academic Team. He is currently pursuing a second degree in pre-management.

The Broncos’ general manager, George Paton, has highlighted Harvey as a standout prospect, describing him as the scouting department’s “pet cat.” With an already competitive running back group that includes players such as Audric Estime, Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie, and Blake Watson, the Broncos’ head coach, Sean Payton, expressed enthusiasm regarding the competition Harvey will bring to the roster. He emphasized that all rookie players are expected to earn their roles during the offseason, underscoring the rigorous nature of training camp and preparation.

Harvey is set to report for rookie minicamp next week, where he aims to showcase his skills and make a strong impression on the Broncos’ coaching staff and teammates. Following his draft selection, he has expressed excitement about joining the Broncos and is determined to contribute to the team’s success, including his aspirations to win a Super Bowl.

As the NFL offseason progresses, all eyes will be on RJ Harvey as he navigates this new chapter in his career with the Denver Broncos. Given his record-breaking achievements at UCF and his continued pursuit of academic and athletic excellence, Harvey is poised to make a significant impact in the professional league.