Panthers to meet with explosive 43-touchdown RB prospect

The Panthers are kicking the tires on an explosive RB.

UCF Knights running back RJ Harvey carries the ball as Utah Utes cornerback Smith Snowden moves in / Mike Watters-Imagn Images

The Carolina Panthers hoped they would feature one of the best backfields in the NFL after taking Jonathon Brooks at No. 46 overall in the 2024 NFL draft. They knew he wouldn’t be ready immediately, but also had Chuba Hubbard, who wound up with 1,195 yards last season.

Brooks, on the other hand, gave them just 22 yards in three games before tearing the same ACL. That leaves his future in doubt, so the Panthers should be in the market for a new RB2. They might be able to find that in the upcoming draft, and are spending some time with one of the more explosive options.

MORE: NFL free agency: Long-time Panthers vet named among top 2026 options

RJ Harvey, who ran for 43 touchdowns during his UCF career, is scheduled to meet with the Panthers as one of their pre-draft visits.

The #Panthers scheduled a top 30 visit with @UCF_Football RB RJ Harvey, per @JustinM_NFL. #KeepPounding

Harvey (5’8”, 205 LBS) finished the 2024 season with 232 carries, 1,577 rushing yards & 22 TDs. He also had 20 receptions, 267 receiving yards & 3 TDs in 2024. pic.twitter.com/fqos3x3FHR

— panthers.breakdown (@panthersbreakd) April 9, 2025

Harvey put together a sensational final campaign, going for 1,577 yards on the ground. He started his career with Virginia but didn’t see the field much.

UCF Knights running back RJ Harvey runs the ball for a touchdown against the West Virginia Mountaineers l / Ben Queen-Imagn Images

He then spent three seasons at UCF, where he racked up 3,789 yards while averaging 6.5 per attempt.

Harvey is expected to be a Day 3 pick, making him an ideal target for Carolina, since they need to address more pressing concerns before landing another back.

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