RJ Harvey

RJ Harvey's Biography

Robert “RJ” Harvey Jr. is a distinguished American football running back who presently plays for the UCF Knights, although his athletic acumen also marked a notable tenure with the Virginia Cavaliers. Harvey’s story begins in the tropical city of Orlando, Florida, where he was born and, by the age of a mere five, had started nurturing his passion and talent for football. His formative years were spent honing his skills and learning the ropes of the game that would eventually shape his career.

During his high school years at Edgewater High in Orlando, Harvey displayed exceptional prowess and tenacity as a dual-threat quarterback, playing three varsity football seasons. Despite a rough sophomore year, where the team failed to secure a win, Harvey played a pivotal role in steering the squad to a remarkable 9-3 record and a coveted district championship the following season. His senior year served as a testament to his maturing capabilities as a player. He notched up impressive statistics by amassing 42 touchdowns, 1,815 passing yards, and running for 1,350 yards and 22 scores. His stellar performance contributed to a 12-2 record and helped the team reach the state playoffs. What set Harvey apart was his equal dedication towards academics, where he maintained a 4.3 GPA, portraying his well-rounded character.

Renowned for his dual-threat capacity, significantly earned Harvey the prestigious ranking of a three-star recruit and positioned him as the 39th best dual-threat quarterback nationally. His formidable skills inevitably caught the attention of the Virginia Cavaliers, compelling Harvey to commit to play college football for them.

In his freshman year at Virginia in 2019, Harvey was third on the quarterback depth chart and opted to redshirt, serving as a standby reinforcement. Following this, he sought a change of scenery and transferred to the UCF Knights via the NCAA transfer portal. As he transitioned into his role with his new team in 2020, Harvey also switched positions and emerged as a running back, appearing in five games and making two runs for three yards in a backup capacity.

Unfortunately, upon entering the 2021 season, an adverse turn of events forced Harvey to the sidelines as he sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during preseason camp. Consequently, he had to sit out for the season to allow time for recovery.

However, Harvey made an impressive comeback in 2022, appearing in 13 games and earning three starts. His reinvigorated performance on the field led to him being named second-team All-American Athletic Conference (AAC) by the Pro Football Network (PFN). He amassed 118 runs for 796 yards and five touchdowns, and completed 22 receptions for 215 yards in that season alone. Entering the 2023 season, he held the notable position as the team’s leading running back.

October 7 marked the beginning of a significant streak for Harvey when he ran over 100 yards for five consecutive games against Kansas – a feat not seen at the school since the 2007 season. During a stand-out game against the 15th-ranked Oklahoma State, Harvey rocketed his alma mater towards victory with an astonishing run of 206 yards and three touchdowns, resulting in a spectacular 45-3 upset win for UCF.

His outstanding performance over the season led him to be nominated as a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award, paying homage to the best running back nationally. Harvey closed the season by breaking a school record, becoming the first UCF player since 2018 to accrue over 1,000 yards in a single season. With 1,416 yards and 16 touchdowns to his name, Harvey accomplished the sixth-highest record for running yards and rushing touchdowns nationwide. The story of Robert ‘RJ’ Harvey Jr. remains a testament to what perseverance in the face of adversity can achieve.