UCF Star RJ Harvey Explodes for Career-Best 3 TDs—Full Highlights & What’s Next for the Knights

The Denver Broncos may have found their next backfield sparkplug. On Friday, the team announced that second-round pick RJ Harvey inked a four-year rookie contract worth a reported $7.36 million, including nearly $2 million in signing bonus money. The deal ensures the former UCF standout will be on the field when veterans report to training camp later this month. College dominance turns heads Before arriving in Denver, Harvey terrorized defenses in Orlando. The 5-foot-8, 205-pound runner ripped off 1,577 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns in 2024, earning first-team All-Big 12 honors and finishing his Knights career with a program-record 48 total TDs. His electric acceleration and compact power translated to a 4.40-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, helping boost his draft stock into Day 2. Why Sean Payton’s offense fits Harvey Head coach Sean Payton prizes versatile backs who can catch, pass-protect, and create after contact. Harvey averaged 8.7 yards after first contact per carry last season and snagged 33 receptions for the Knights, skills that mirror the traits Payton once maximized with Alvin Kamara in New Orleans. While incumbent starter Javonte Williams and free-agent pickup J.K. Dobbins headline the depth chart, Denver’s coaching staff has hinted at a three-back rotation designed to keep legs fresh during a 17-game slate. Path to early snaps • Third-down weapon: Harvey allowed just one sack on 52 college pass-blocking reps, giving him a chance to earn immediate third-down duties. • Red-zone hammer: Despite his stature, the Orlando native powered in 14 rushing scores from inside the 10-yard line last fall, a role Denver struggled to fill in 2024. • Special-teams boost: Harvey averaged 26.1 yards on kick returns as a freshman at Virginia, an area the Broncos ranked 29th league-wide a year ago. Fantasy football impact Running backs with Payton average 23.4 combined carries and targets per game since 2017. If Harvey secures 35–40 percent of that workload, he projects as a late-round fantasy sleeper with flex appeal, especially in PPR formats. Harvey’s own words “Signing that contract is just step one,” the 24-year-old told reporters after putting pen to paper. “I’m here to earn trust, master the playbook, and help bring winning football back to Broncos Country.” His confidence is shared by teammates; veteran guard Quinn Meinerz noted that Harvey “hits the hole like he’s shot from a cannon.” What’s next • Rookie report date: July 23 • First full-squad practice: July 26 • Preseason opener: Aug 10 vs. Cardinals If Harvey flashes the same burst he showcased in college, Denver could have a cost-controlled playmaker for the next four seasons—and a fresh reason for Mile High fans to dream of a postseason return.