From game-winning grabs to unteachable field vision, the rookie tailback is transforming Denver's backfield into a versatile weapon, earning high praise from his quarterback and coach alike.
Following a standout career with UCF, star running back RJ Harvey was drafted by the Denver Broncos to solidify their rushing and receiving attack in the backfield.
Harvey made an instant impact, becoming one of the most productive rookies in the class and carving out a significant role in Denver going forward.
On Friday night, Harvey found the endzone on a wheel route out of the backfield, blowing past a covering linebacker and waltzing in for a 21-yard receiving touchdown.
This part of Harvey's game is what makes him especially dangerous, as he is one of the top receiving backs in the game already.
Following the preseason effort, Broncos starting quarterback Bo Nix spoke to media about Harvey, saying he is a "special" player.
Nix noted pass catching as one of Harvey's strongest abilities, while saying that he has been impressed by his receiving since he was drafted.
As a rookie, Harvey scored 12 touchdowns, using his legs for seven of them.
His final score of the season came against the Kansas City Chiefs, with Harvey finding the endzone for a fifth-straight game and eventual game winner.
Harvey dominated on the Broncos' game-winning drive, breaking off an eleven yard dash from Denver's 44-yard line to advance into Kansas City territory.
He added an additional 14 yards on the ground before the Broncos found themselves in a 4th and 2 at the two-minute warning.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton made the bold decision to go for it, lining Harvey up in the wildcat and putting the game's biggest play in the hands of his rookie tailback.
Harvey utilized a hard count, forcing an offsides penalty from six-time Pro Bowler Chris Jones.
Another Harvey carry took the Broncos to the one-yard line before facing a 3rd and goal.
Broncos quarterback Bo Nix rolled out right with Harvey running a flat route to the front corner of the end zone. Nix held on to the ball, buying time while Harvey improvised running to the back of the end zone and stopping on a dime to haul in the eventual game-winner.
Nix spoke to media on the growth of Harvey and his remarkable play after the game.
"Very savvy move by him. You can tell he's been in my shoes before," Nix said. "He knows what its like to find space. He's just a really savvy football player. He does things a lot that you know, sort of unteachable... He'll do stuff like that all the time."
Alongside power back J.K. Dobbins, Harvey fits Payton's offensive scheme, as the former Super Bowl winning coach likes to use his running backs as receivers.
With Jaylen Waddle being added to the mix, expect Harvey to find more space and less defenders as a receiver.
