Rookie running back RJ Harvey is turning heads early in his NFL journey with the Denver Broncos.
During day two of Broncos rookie minicamp session open to media, Harvey flashed the kind of elusiveness and vision that helped him rack up over 1,400 rushing yards last season at UCF. One particular clip from practice caught attention: a smooth jump cut that left defenders flat-footed.
Asked how he pulled it off, Harvey’s answer was simple.
“It’s just a lot of work. A lot of hard work,” Harvey said. “You did work to have that? Yes, sir. Not a lot of work.”
While the footwork stands out, Harvey believes it’s his background under center that gives him an edge.
“I feel like playing quarterback gives me an advantage with my vision,” he said. “I knew what to expect. I can see what the defense is doing. I feel like it gives me an advantage.”
Harvey was a high school quarterback before transitioning to running back in college. That experience reading defenses has translated well to the NFL, where mental processing often separates promising rookies from those who fizzle out.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton has taken notice of Harvey’s early progress.
“Look, he’s picked up on very quickly what we’re doing,” Payton said. “You can tell it’s real important to him.”
For Payton, it’s not just about talent. It’s about adapting to the demands of a professional football lifestyle.
“This is like, you know, the first exposure to the training room, the weight room, the schedule, the nutrition, the practice,” Payton explained. “There’s a lot more than just, ‘Hey, we’re going to run these plays.’ These look good, though.”
That last remark—“these look good”—summed up Harvey’s performance so far. Whether it’s his jump cuts or his commitment off the field, the rookie is off to a promising start.
With the running back competition wide open in Denver, Harvey is making an early case for a meaningful role in the offense this fall.
COVER PHOTO BY CARLOS BRYANT / DENVER SPORTS MAGAZINE
Denver Sports Media 