The Vikings running game needs major improvement and taking one similar to Maurice Jones-Drew could be the fix
Addressing the running game for the Minnesota Vikings is a top priority. The passing game has already proven to be explosive, but they need a complementary piece in the running game. There are a lot of options for the Vikings to target, especially with the projected compensatory pick they will be getting from losing Kirk […]
Addressing the running game for the Minnesota Vikings is a top priority. The passing game has already proven to be explosive, but they need a complementary piece in the running game.
There are a lot of options for the Vikings to target, especially with the projected compensatory pick they will be getting from losing Kirk Cousins in free agency.
The latest installment of our SKOL Search series focuses on another talented running back in UCF's RJ Harvey
RJ Harvey
- UCF
- Transfer from Virginia
- Height: 5076
- Weight: 207
- Class: Fifth-Year Senior
- Recruiting info: 3-star recruit in 2020 class per 247 Sports
- Stats: 579 carries, 3,792 yards, 6.5 YPC, 43 touchdowns, 61 receptions, 720 yards, 4 touchdowns
- Games watched: Colorado 2024, Iowa State 2024, Florida 2024
Strengths
- Patience/Hiding In Traffic: One of the biggest things with Harvey is his size. He uses it very well to maximize his ability to gain extra yards. He is patient in letting his blocks set up and hides behind his blockers while also being able to sneak through smaller creases.
- Burst: Pairing with his patience, Harvey can explode through the hole and stress the second level with ease. When he sees the hole, Harvey accelerates quickly and eats up ground quickly.
- Contact Balance: Harvey is built very thick in his lower half and uses it to his advantage. Arm tackles don't bring him down with his led drive and his 181 missed tackles forced the last three seasons.
- Long Speed: Harvey can stress you out when it comes to home runs. He can take it the distance from anywhere on the field.
Weaknesses
- Size: We can't beat around the bush. Harvey is small for a running back. You don't see a lot of players who can be successful under 5', 8" tall.
- Consistency: Harvey is a physical back who can burst through the line and break tackles, but he needs to figure out how to be more consistent over the course of games. He doesn't always play physical and he will get too patient waiting for something big to open up.
Overview
| Trait | Grade |
|---|---|
Vision | 8.1/10 |
Cutback | 8.0/10 |
Long Speed | 4.0/5 |
Contact Balance | 8.3/10 |
Pass Blocking | 7.5/10 |
Break/Avoid Tackles | 12.5/10 |
Durability | 7.5/10 |
Receiving | 7.7/10 |
Quickness | 8.0/10 |
Ball Security | 7.4/10 |
79.0 Third Round Grade |
Harvey is the third member of the All-Forno team. He is an excellent prospect who should be available when the Vikings pick at 97th overall compensatory pick they get from Kirk Cousins leaving. He is a great zone scheme runner with plus ability to do a little bit of everything.
Now, the big thing here is Harvey likely isn't going to be a true number one back. Then again, the same things were said about Maurice Jones-Drew, who Harvey reminds me a lot of. He absolutely should be heavy in a running back rotation.
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