Denver Broncos Draft UCF’s with 60th Overall Pick
The Denver Broncos used their second-round pick, 60th overall, to select running back RJ Harvey in the 2025 NFL Draft. Harvey becomes the 50th player in UCF history to be drafted and the third Knight ever taken by Denver. A future UCF Athletics Hall of Fame inductee and true “hometown hero,” Harvey’s journey began when he returned to Orlando as a walk-on running back after starting his college career as a quarterback at Virginia. During his time at UCF, Harvey totaled 4,512 yards and a program-record 48 touchdowns, earning AP Third-Team All-American honors in his final season.
Harvey’s path to the NFL wasn’t without obstacles. Early in his UCF career, a torn ACL during a practice could have derailed his dreams. Instead, it motivated him. After recovering, Harvey played a supporting role in 2022 before emerging as the team’s top back in 2023.
That year, he rushed for 1,416 yards and 16 touchdowns, then followed up with a Big 12-leading 1,577 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns in 2024, becoming the first UCF player with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons at the FBS level.
Former UCF running backs coach Kam Martin spoke to Knights247 about Harvey’s growth, recalling Harvey’s transition from quarterback to running back and praising his resilience following the ACL injury. Martin emphasized Harvey’s relentless work ethic and refusal to feel sorry for himself.
Harvey brings the Broncos an explosive playmaker with quickness, agility, and surprising upper-body strength. He has worked to improve areas of his game like pass protection and route-running, recently showing noticeable improvements during the Senior Bowl. Martin also praised Harvey’s dedication to refining his pass-blocking skills.
Harvey will soon report to Denver, where he is expected to sign a four-year contract worth approximately $7.4 million. More details about his signing are expected to emerge soon.
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