UCF Knights' Dynamic RJ Harvey Makes Doak Walker Watch List

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The UCF Knights have a fantastic backfield heading into 2024, headlined by one of the best running backs in UCF's history—RJ Harvey. Harvey had arguably the best single-season numbers out of any UCF Knight ever, amassing more than 1,600 yards from scrimmage and being one of the most productive running backs in the country.

These numbers got him recognition last year, as he was named a semifinalist for the 2023 Doak Walker Award for best running back. This year, it seems to be business as usual for the star running back, as he has been named to the 2024 Doak Walker Watch List.

About RJ Harvey

Harvey is a 5-foot-9, 205-pound senior out of Orlando, Fla. The hometown back has played for the Knights his entire college career, first getting playing time in 2020 as a true freshman. Harvey sat out the 2021 season due to injury, but came back with a vengeance in 2022, amassing 118 carries, 796 yards (6.7 yards/attempt) and 5 touchdowns.

In 2023, however, is when Harvey truly took flight. Harvey and UCF made the move to the Big 12 Conference, a conference well-known for their offensive powerhouses and running back prowess. Harvey fit right in from the get-go, quickly making himself known as one of the conference's best backs.

He carried the ball 226 times for 1,416 yards, a 6.3 yards/carry average and scored 16 times on the ground. He also found the end zone through the air for the first time in his career, catching 19 passes for 238 yards and a touchdown.

Harvey finished second in the Big 12 in yards from scrimmage and touchdowns from scrimmage. He also finished sixth in the NCAA among all running backs in rushing yards, rushing yards per attempt and rushing touchdowns. Harvey is poised to have yet another big year, where he will help the Knights be conference-title contenders in one of the most dynamic offenses in college football.

Harvey's Impact on UCF

Harvey is already one of the best offensive players in UCF's recent history, but a big year this year will cement him as the best offensive player. He has been an absolute force since his 2022 campaign, almost doubling his numbers from 2022 to 2023. His impact is massive for the Knights, but he is certainly not the only one that makes this Knights offense one of the most dangerous in the Big 12 and in college football.

The Knights also added Toledo transfer Peny Boone to their backfield. A fellow senior, Boone rushed for 1,400 yards as well in 2023 and accounted for 15 touchdowns. Adding him to the backfield creates a two-headed beast to be reckoned with when going up against the Knights. They also added Cincinnati-transfer Myles Montgomery, who played a great compliment to another standout Big 12 back in Corey Kiner.

Not only that, but quarterback and Arkansas transfer KJ Jefferson will provide another layer to this dynamic run game that will prove to be one of the strongest in the league. Jefferson's 1,876 yards rushing throughout his career thus far speaks for itself. He is a dual-threat player who can kill you with his feet or with his arm, adding another dimension to this backfield. Opposing front sevens beware, this run game will be deadly.

The strong run game will free up a passing attack that looks to prove itself after losing receiver Javon Baker as well as a handful of other top producers. Transfers Jacoby Jones, Goldie Lawrence, Ja'Varrius Johnson and Reece Adkins will look to boost this receiving corps, as well as returning starters Kobe Hudson and Xavier Townsend. Through the help of Harvey and the strong, deep backfield, these transfers can mesh and build chemistry more easily, making for a bigger threat and a more versatile offense.

Dark-Horse Contenders

Harvey will be a key leader for this Knights offense looking to improve on their 6-7 debut campaign in the Big 12. Dark-horse contenders for the conference title, a lot will depend on how this offense performs against what will prove to be a tough, back-heavy schedule. Luckily, they will have some time to find their groove before facing other potential conference favorites like Arizona, West Virginia and Utah.

Should this offense find its rhythm and chemistry early, expect this UCF team to be one of the more dominant squads in the Big 12. A lot of that will depend on Harvey's performance and with that, great expectations have been set on his shoulders, which are expectations he will happily live up to. One of the strongest candidates for the Doak Walker Award this year, there's no telling what Harvey will do this season with this great offensive attack.