ENGLEWOOD — RJ Harvey called it a “dream come true” to make his NFL debut on Sunday.
The Broncos’ rookie running back, drafted No. 60 overall in the second round, projects to share the load of carries with J.K. Dobbins in the backfield this season. It all starts against the Titans inside Empower Field at Mile High.
“I always dreamed about being in the NFL,” Harvey said on Friday after practice at Broncos Park. “I know Sunday is going to be rocking. I’m ready to see all of the fans and just get a win.”
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Harvey’s upside is obvious after a decorated college career, and specifically, his last two seasons at the University of Central Florida. The 5-foot-8 and 205-pound running back exploded for 2,993 yards rushing with 38 touchdowns on the ground. He also logged 39 receptions for 505 yards with four receiving touchdowns over that span.
But Harvey understands his game must evolve in the NFL with improved pass protection, especially if he plans to make an impact on crucial third-down plays with the Broncos.
“Coming out of college it was definitely something that I needed to work on,” Harvey said. “Throughout this whole summer, I feel like I’ve gotten a lot better at it. I’ve just been trying to focus on that throughout the offseason and throughout camp. … As the season goes on, I’m going to just keep getting better at it.”
Harvey discovered a player mentor with the Broncos in Dobbins. The sixth-year pro has averaged 5.2 yards per carry over his career between the Ravens and Chargers. Dobbins also has the build and experience to thrive in pass protection.
“J.K. has been a great leader throughout our entire running back room,” Harvey said. “He’s just somebody that you can talk to. (He’s) an easy person to talk to. Me and him and the rest of the running backs in the room, we all get along together. We’re just going to put on a show on Sunday.”
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Harvey began his football career playing quarterback. He starred at the position at Edgewater High School in Orlando, Fla., as a dual threat. Harvey passed for 1,787 yards and rushed for 1,376 yards as a senior. He signed to play quarterback in college in 2019 at the University of Virginia.
Harvey redshirted his freshman year before transferring to UCF and changing positions to running back. However, since reaching the NFL, those QB roots continue to mold his play.
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“Playing quarterback, I definitely feel like it helps with my vision and seeing the defense,” Harvey said. “Just whenever you’re running routes, you see what (formations) the defense is playing and the leverage that the linebackers are giving you. … Playing quarterback, catching the ball out of shotgun, I feel like it’s definitely helped my hands. So, it’s been a huge help for me.”
Expectations are high for Denver’s running game in 2025. The team is recommitted to an outside zone blocking scheme that should benefit the talents of Dobbins and Harvey to find cutback lanes or bounce runs outside the tackles.
“They’re two really talented backs,” starting right tackle Mike McGlinchey said on Friday. “They’re great human beings. They’ve come in and worked relentlessly to get this thing right. I’m excited for what they’re going to show out on Sunday.”
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It’s still possible that Harvey, 24, will face a steep learning curve in adjusting to the NFL. He’s taking early steps to help in that transition from college football.
“You really have got to know what to do. Also, it’s a production-based business,” Harvey said. “You’ve got to put in the work, study and know your stuff. … During my free time right now, my main focus is studying and trying to get all the plays right. So, when I go out there on Sundays, I’m ready to go. And while I’m on the field, I don’t (have) to think where I’m making mistakes.”
Broncos Country will see Harvey step onto the field Sunday wearing a new jersey number.
He changed from No. 37 in the offseason training program and training camp to No. 12 for the regular season. That number was previously held by rookie cornerback Jahdae Barron, whose switch to No. 23 was sparked by the desire to honor a fallen friend.
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So, why did Harvey decide to make the jersey change to No. 12?
He cracked a smile.
“I thought it was better than 37. That’s why,” Harvey said. “But I only had a couple of options to change to. It wasn’t really the number that I wanted, but it is what it is. I’ve got to go off in it. So, if I go off in it, then everybody is going to be happy about that number.”