“You Talk About Juice”: GMFB Picks UCF’s RJ Harvey as the Rookie They Can’t Wait to Watch
April 29, 2025 – By Sports Analyst Desk
When the hosts of Good Morning Football (GMFB) on NFL Network start talking about rookies they “can’t wait to watch,” the football world listens. The show, known for its deep insight, passion, and accurate forecasting of breakout stars, recently zeroed in on one name during their heated “rookies to watch” segment: RJ Harvey, running back out of the University of Central Florida (UCF).
And what led to the buzz? It was all summed up in one electrifying quote from GMFB co-host Kyle Brandt: “You talk about juice, you talk about the ability to get skinny, get back out to the outside.”
The Juice That Caught Everyone’s Eye
In football lingo, “juice” means more than athleticism—it’s that intangible explosiveness that separates good players from game-changers. When Brandt made that comment, it wasn’t just off the cuff. It was built on hours of tape, data, and the growing hype around RJ Harvey’s play style.
Standing 5-foot-9 and weighing around 205 pounds, Harvey isn’t the biggest back in the draft class. But what he lacks in size, he makes up for in vision, burst, and lateral quickness. His ability to find the smallest crease between linemen, “get skinny” as Brandt described, and then bounce plays to the outside with speed and fluidity has scouts, analysts, and now the GMFB crew, firmly on board the hype train.
“He’s got that cut-and-go instinct,” said GMFB’s Peter Schrager. “That natural runner’s feel. He doesn’t hesitate. He explodes.”
RJ Harvey’s Road to the NFL
Harvey’s journey to the pros wasn’t without its challenges. Originally recruited to play quarterback, Harvey made the difficult transition to running back early in his college career. That decision, fueled by his coaches’ recognition of his natural instincts with the ball in his hands, proved pivotal.
His tenure at UCF saw a steady ascent. In 2023, Harvey broke out in a big way, posting over 1,400 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns while averaging over 6.5 yards per carry. His performance earned him All-AAC First Team honors and caught the attention of NFL scouts who had initially overlooked him.
Even more impressive was Harvey’s comeback from an ACL injury earlier in his career. That kind of resilience is what defines NFL-ready prospects—mental toughness paired with physical recovery and reinvention.
“He runs like he’s got something to prove,” said NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah during pre-draft coverage. “And that chip on his shoulder? That’s fuel for Sundays.”
Scheme Versatility: A Coach’s Dream
RJ Harvey doesn’t fit into a single offensive mold—and that’s a good thing. Whether in zone schemes that prioritize vision and cutback ability or in power sets where quick burst and contact balance are key, Harvey has shown he can adapt. That flexibility is likely what has NFL teams and analysts so intrigued.
“You could plug him into a Shanahan-style offense and he’d thrive,” said GMFB’s Jason McCourty. “He’s got that ability to press the line, plant, and explode. And once he gets to the second level? Good luck catching him.”
Not only is Harvey dangerous as a runner, but he’s also capable in the passing game. Though not used heavily as a receiver at UCF, his tape shows soft hands and the awareness to navigate space—traits that hint at even more upside at the pro level.
Draft Value and the “Steal” Narrative
Harvey wasn’t a Day 1 draft pick. Nor was he taken early on Day 2. He slid into the third round, possibly due to concerns over his injury history or size. But in the eyes of many—especially after GMFB’s ringing endorsement—he may go down as one of the biggest steals of the 2025 draft.
“Third round? I’m calling it now, this guy’s going to have a Day 1 impact,” said Kay Adams in a recent GMFB web segment. “Every year we see one guy jump off the screen in preseason, make rosters panic, and defenses game-plan around him. That’s going to be RJ.”
Indeed, with the running back position often undervalued in modern drafts due to positional wear and analytics, players like Harvey—who bring both production and spark—can be immediate contributors without the cost of a first-round pick.
Player Comparison and Projected Role
Comparisons have ranged from Aaron Jones (Green Bay Packers) to Justin Forsett (former Ravens standout). The through-line? Elusiveness, acceleration, and the ability to flip field position in an instant.
Wherever Harvey lands on the depth chart, don’t expect him to remain buried long. Early reports from rookie mini-camps and voluntary OTAs suggest he’s already impressing coaching staffs with his work ethic and mental grasp of the playbook.
“He’s a football junkie,” said a team insider during a closed-door interview. “He’s the kind of player who asks for the extra reps, who stays in the film room longer than everyone else.”
That drive, combined with his natural skillset, could earn Harvey touches early—especially if he’s paired with a veteran back in a complementary backfield rotation.
The X-Factor: Mindset and Mentality
Juice isn’t just speed—it’s swagger, hunger, and fearlessness. Harvey brings that in abundance. Whether it’s between the tackles or in open space, he’s not shying away from contact. He’s initiating it, often bouncing off defenders to pick up hidden yardage.
What makes RJ Harvey different, according to analysts, isn’t just how he runs—but why he runs.
“You watch this kid,” said Brandt during the GMFB segment, “and you see a guy who runs like every play might be his last. That’s rare. That’s special. That’s juice.”
Fan Excitement and Fantasy Implications
It hasn’t taken long for fans to catch on. Social media is buzzing with clips of Harvey’s highlights, fans discussing potential jersey buys, and fantasy football analysts projecting late-round sleeper status for the rookie back.
“Keep your eye on this guy in fantasy drafts,” tweeted ESPN’s Field Yates. “Especially in PPR formats. Could be a flex weapon by midseason.”
Conclusion: All Eyes on RJ
As rookie minicamps begin and training camps loom, RJ Harvey will be one of the most closely watched names across the league. For teams looking for explosive playmakers, for fans yearning to see the next breakout star, and for analysts who love calling a sleeper before the breakout, Harvey is quickly becoming a household name.
GMFB’s enthusiastic backing is more than just talk—it’s a nod of respect to a player who’s earned every yard, every accolade, and every ounce of buzz.
In the words of Kyle Brandt: “You talk about juice? You talk about RJ Harvey.”
