LAS VEGAS — He emerged from the shadows last season and had a great season with the Knights, but he was not considered for All-Big 12 consideration.

RJ Harvey had every right to feel snubbed about the whole ordeal. After all, his 1,416 yards on the ground last season were the third-most in program history. And that’s without counting Harvey’s 16 rushing touchdowns, which were tied for second-most for a UCF player.

However, Harvey is in the same conference as the reigning Doak Walker Award winner, and four other returning 1,000-yard rushers. Harvey knows he is in a deep league of elite running backs and respects what each individual brings to the position, but believes he is the best of the bunch.

And that speaks volumes, considering Harvey is a converted quarterback. There was a learning curve to becoming a high caliber rusher. Harvey continues to work on his craft day in and day out and wants to be the complete weapon out of the backfield.

“Just being more physical, working on my pass blocking, that was probably the hardest part of making the transition to running back,” Harvey said. “As a rusher, I feel like I’m really patient, I know how to serve blocks, I can attack anybody, and I’m fast, so I’m versatile.”

Harvey is excited about UCF’s running back room, especially Cincinnati transfer Myles Montgomery. The competition is fierce on the field, but everyone has fun in the locker room and Harvey embraces being a leader of the group. As a result, he’s confident in the unit’s potential heading into fall camp.

“Our running back room is close together, we always practice together, hang out together, I love being around those guys,” he said. “Whoever’s on the field, they’re going to eat, so when I come out of the game, there shouldn’t be a drop-off.”

Coach Gus Malzahn has been impressed with Harvey’s growth at the position. He knows Harvey sees the game differently, as a former gunslinger. Malzahn expects opposing defensive coordinators to want to stop Harvey, so he comes up with different ways to get him the ball. Malzahn has a history of getting the most out of his running backs, and Harvey hasn’t reached his ceiling yet.

“He’s very versatile, there’s nothing like getting out there and having to be the guy, understanding protection and everything that goes with it,” Malzahn said. “I’ve been fortunate enough to have some really, really good running backs in the past, but he’s definitely in that same conversation, and I think the sky’s the limit for him if he stays healthy this year.”

Harvey is looking to show his hands more this season and is always working on polishing his routes. He will now get handoffs from KJ Jefferson, who has multiple seasons of experience as a starter at Arkansas. The offense looks promising to Harvey and the leadership Jefferson brings to the locker will help in the final stages.

As for goals for 2024, Harvey just wants to dominate and not fumble. Last year his goal was to get 1,500+ yards, and he came close to achieving that feat. Now it’s all about helping the team reach the Big 12 Championship Game and win.

Harvey is willing to be a workhorse when needed, and he’s putting his foot on the gas pedal in the second half. With 2,212 rushing yards over the past two seasons, Harvey won’t be sneaking up on anyone this time around. The Florida native understands that there will be a bullseye on his jersey. Regardless, Harvey is embracing the attention and plans to capitalize on the spotlight.

“They can type as much as they want, I’m not really worried about that because we have weapons all over the field, so I’m still going to do what I do, and I’m still going to eat.”