Harvey reunites with former Gators at Jaguars camp
By John Patton
Sun sports writer
Published: Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at 11:57 p.m.
JACKSONVILLE — Derrick Harvey arrived on the Florida campus in 2004 with a big reputation, something that always follows the nation's top five high school defensive recruits.
But perhaps because things came easier to him at Roosevelt High School (Greenbelt, Md.), he didn't immediately put forth the effort that turns a high school all-state performer into a college All-American and ultimately into a first-round NFL draft pick.
"When he got in he was gifted, but he was a lazy little sucker," former Gator/current Jacksonville Jaguar defensive end Jeremy Mincey said. "He did the least amount he could to get by. He took shortcuts.
"But some of us older guys like me, Vernell Brown and Jarvis Herring, we got on him and pushed him.
"He took to that, and look at him now."
Indeed, utilizing the benefits that came from the added work ethic, Harvey earned most outstanding defensive player honors as a third-year sophomore in UF's 41-14 January 2007 BCS championship game victory against Ohio State.
That propelled Harvey to a junior season, which saw him record 8.5 sacks en route to being named third team All-American and second team All-SEC.
And in late April, the Jaguars moved up to select the 6-foot-5, 271-pounder eighth overall. He is the only defensive end chosen in the first round in franchise history.
Leading up to the draft, Jacksonville (11-5 in 2007) was in talks with Miami about trading for All-Pro defensive end Jason Taylor. But in the end the Dolphins' demand for a second-round pick (the Jaguars were unwilling to part with any higher than a fourth), made the Jaguars decide to go young, taking Harvey and Auburn outside linebacker (now defensive end) Quentin Groves with their first two choices.
"I think he knows (the organization's expectations), but maybe didn't know the extent we needed a pass rusher," middle linebacker Mike Peterson said. "Right now, he's just a young guy trying to fit in and the team is trying to find the best way to use him and Quentin.
"And the truth is, we probably will end up better playing (defensive end) by committee instead of relying on just one guy."
Peterson said it is difficult to tell how much Harvey has progressed during the current organized team activities because the Jaguars aren't in pads. However, he added he expects Harvey to come along smoothly.
"There's always a lot expected of first rounders, but he's in a better situation than other first-round picks," Peterson said. "He's being asked to rush the passer, not run the offense, run the defense or call plays.
"He doesn't have to play every down. He can come in on third downs, get after the quarterback, and if he gets one sack a game, that's a great thing."
Harvey said he is comfortable in Jacksonville — having five other Gators on the roster helps — and added the toughest part so far has been learning different play calls.
"I've got to get rid of all the old plays," Harvey said. "This is a completely new system to me."
He's also been paying attention to the veterans' adage that says you need to stay healthy and avoid the training room at all costs.
To do so, Harvey is eating healthier and getting plenty of post-practice hot and cold treatments.
"The biggest thing he needs to understand is it is going to be a long season," said Jaguars' second-year safety Reggie Nelson, also a former Gator. "He has to take care of his body. (The rookie wall) is nothing but a mental thing. If you have your body ready, you'll get through it.
"I think Derrick is going to be all right."