Can RJ Harvey Become the Commanders’ Homerun Hitter at RB?

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2025 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Commanders

RJ Harvey, RB
School: University of Central Florida | Conference: Big 12
College Experience: Redshirt Senior | Draft Age: 24 (Week 1)
Height / Weight: 5’8”/ 206 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 3rd- early 5th round

Player Comparison: Bryce Love

College Statistics

Player Overview

A three-star QB turned RB from Edgewater HS (FL), RJ Harvey turned an unfortunate career setback into becoming one of the Big 12’s most explosive running backs in the past two seasons. Initially committing to Virginia, Harvey saw greener pastures transferring to University of Central Florida in 2020. After recovering from an ACL tear in 2021, Harvey steadily improved each of the next three seasons as the Knight’s leading rusher. His last season, he totaled 1,844 scrimmage yards (1,577 rushing, 267 receiving) and 25 total touchdowns. He finished his collegiate career with the most touchdowns in school history (47) and second-most in scrimmage yards (4,512). His final season garnered conference and All-American honors. He was also invited to participate in the Senior Bowl.

RJ Harvey is one of the most dynamic runners in this draft class. He is a patient runner that looks for the best lane before breaking away for a big play. RJ is dangerous in space, knowing how to set up defenders and leave them whiffing. He is also adept as a receiver and even taking a few snaps as a kick returner. However, size limits him from becoming the desired bell-cow running back. Harvey has a smaller build than scouts would like. RJ is often pushed away when pass blocking. Harvey too often tries to elude contact, bouncing outside towards the sideline where more yardage would come inside. While some have their doubts about RJ Harvey’s projection as an every-down back, he is a talented runner that any running back room would love to have. He works best in an inside-zone running scheme. Harvey is one of the best running backs a team can draft at the start of Day 3.

Awards & Recognition

• All-Big 12 Honorable Mention (2023)
• Doak Walker Award Semifinalist (2023)
• Third-team Associated Press All-American (2024)
• First-team All-Big 12 (2024)
• Senior Bowl Participant (2025)

Metrics

Strengths

• Great lateral agility. Knows how and when to use jump cuts.
• Great vision and patience. Looks for the best running lane.
• Electric production in the last two seasons.
• Solid receiver out of the backfield with soft hands. Primarily ran wheel routes and screens.
• Explosive speed, leaves defenders in the dust.
• Good contact balance for his size.
• A menace in the second level. Knows how to manipulate and blow through defenders.

Weaknesses

• Older prospect (24 years old)
• Ball security becomes an issue when gang tackled. 6 fumbles in the last two seasons.
• More often tries to avoid contact than power through.
• Torn ACL history for a running back that makes explosive movements.
• Smaller frame than desired for an every-down back.

Let’s See His Work

Interviews

How Will He Fit On The Team

This draft should focus on the Commanders finding depth, and most of all talent. Washington’s rushing attack was productive even if the running back group left a lot to be desired. While a starting dynamic bell-cow running back would be desirable, RJ Harvey has the explosive talent Washington is looking for. Even if he is not the desired size, Harvey has the experience of being the every down back for UCF while putting up productive numbers. Harvey can be a rotational change-of-pace back and compete as the team’s kick returner. If his pass blocking and ball security improves, RJ could eventually compete to be RB1 where ball carrier attention will be split between him and Jayden Daniels. Harvey is not the perfect size for a ball carrier, but he brings the explosive play-making ability the offense needs to take a step towards becoming elite.