Interview: Do-Everything 4-Star 2021 ATH DJ Harvey Talks Recruiting and Football

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

There are very few high school football players who consistently take the field as a true “athlete” capable of impacting a given game in multiple ways as DJ Harvey does for Sierra Canyon. The 5-10, 176-pound, talent is ever-present in all three phases of the game and his technique and knowledge of the game is starting to sync with his God given abilities leaving bystanders in awe.

The four-star recruiting status for Harvey was earned the hard way, by producing on the field. Harvey wowed all during his sophomore season after putting an end to 53 plays with 19 passes broken up, seven picks, a tackle for a loss, and a field goal blocked. He cemented the notion of a play-maker on the field by hauling in 39 passes for 647 yards with six trips into the end zone and rushed four times for 32 yards with another score. On special teams, all he did was take 12 kicks back for 348 yards giving his offense great field position and momentum in every game.

That spirit to compete at a high level has carried over into his junior season helping his Trailblazers squad to an 8-1 record against Division 1/2 California competition. In stats posted through nine games, Harvey has already snagged 48 passes for 912 yards with six touchdowns, taken four kicks back for 167 yards and returned eight punts for 64 more yards. His reputation at corner proceeds him, as opposing quarterbacks dare not test. He has nine tackles with seven passes broken up and two interceptions on the year.

Harvey’s talent has led to 11 offers with the recruiting process getting serious as he takes unofficial visits forming his early decisions on likes and dislikes in next level fits. Covering it all, Harvey and I set up for an in-depth conversation.

*Click link for Under Armour All-American camp RNG video interview with DJ Harvey

Interview

DJ, you were a do-everything talent for Sierra Canyon last season. Heading into the 2019 season, what did you do to prepare your body for the workload about to be had?

“It was about putting myself in the best situation possible for my team to be successful. My dad and Coach Lewis put me in a great situation to succeed.”

You have not slowed down on offense from last season lighting up opposing secondaries for 912 yards with six scores. What are you doing well, or better than last year, this season?

“Having a better understanding who I am going against has helped. From watching film, I am looking at their strengths and weaknesses. When I have the ball in my hands, I used to be a running back, I have that mentality. I am looking to see who else do I have to beat if I beat this guy. I do a lot of film study.”

What are some of the routes you are running this season?

“This season I am running a lot of slants and digs to get open in the middle of the field. My best strength is going deep, but I am showing I can take a 2- or 3-yard slant for 80 yards.”

How is your game coming around on defense?

“On defense, I have been seeing a lot of improvement after working with Coach Fig and our DB coach, Coach Pace; he played in the league. Now, I can see why my coaches were saying I am a natural DB. Coach Pace has always told me, if you get footwork down you will be great. I started out playing safety, going to corner was tough. Sierra Canyon has helped me in that transition. My coaches have helped me a lot. This year, I know who I am going up against, their favorite route – things like that. I am picking their brain by watching film so I know what will happen before it happens.”

Back to offense, how are teams trying to cover you up?

“I am seeing double coverage, but I don’t trip on that. If I can catch the ball underneath the coverage, I can beat him with my speed, that is my game plan. Going one-on-one with no safety help, that is my favorite coverage to see. I can see it before the snap, because I play DB. I know what is happening on the field with coverages. I use that knowledge on offense.”

On the other side of the ball, how are teams scheming you when they are passing?

“I have not been targeted much this season. The most targets I have seen all season was on Friday against Grace Brethren. Teams are seeing my athleticism and going the other way. One of my coaches said it best, if they know you are going to college as a DB, it is hard for them to test you. My coaches helped me realize a lot of teams are not going after me for that reason. Because I am not given many opportunities to make plays on defense, I have to make plays on special teams and on offense for my team. I’m always thinking about what can I do to help my team gain momentum.”

Before we get into all of your offers, which schools are showing interest?

“Washington State and Boise State – they are showing a lot. This has been a good process. I am hearing from different coaches, hearing what they have to say about their style of coaching and their program. This process gives you an idea what school you really want to go to.”

How many offers do you have now?

“11.”

Harvey’s Offer Sheet: Arizona, Arizona State, Auburn, BYU, Fresno State, LSU, Oregon, Nebraska, Rutgers, Southern Miss, Utah

From the summer to now, I have you visited any campuses?

“Over the summer, I went to Cal with Coach Fig. I also went to Fresno State with my team. During the season, I have been to Oregon and I took a visit to Arizona two weeks before the Oregon visit. I am taking a visit to Arizona State Nov. 9.”

How did the Oregon trip go?

“For me, it was really good. A lot of people think because of the uniforms and facilities that will sell me. My mom helps me look at it differently. I look at it to see if they offer my degree and the resources they will have around me at school. Oregon has all the resources. My cousins tell me everything about the school; that they have good resources with tutors and coaches pushing you. It is up to you if you want to do it.”

What about the Arizona visit, how did that go?

“It went well. It was a really good atmosphere at Arizona. They had a good game against UCLA. Being around the coaches, students, and fans was a good experience. I enjoyed myself.”

Last couple of questions. Back to football. All the Trailblazers do is win, and you guys tacked on a six-consecutive victory on Friday against Grace Brethren (13-7). How did the team look in the hard-fought win?

“We were a different team. We are so much better than when we lost to Oaks Christian. Oaks woke us up. We saw our strengths and weakness. We are a top-notch team. Grace Brethren is a great team with great coaching. We were looking forward to that game all year. Our coaches were so excited for the game. It was a great feeling getting that win.”

Paraclete (6-3) comes on the schedule next. What kind of game are you expecting from the Spirits?

“I am expecting a fast offense with (QB) CJ Montes running everything. All those kids there, I grew up with them. For me, this game is like going back to my hometown. This will be an intense week for me. There is a lot of talk on social media with people saying those kids over there at Sierra Canyon cannot compete because we are a small school – but we got them. I am the type of guy who does not talk on social media. During the week I am not on social media. I stay away from the distractions that can throw of the mindset. I am going out there with the killer mentality I was given. I will be ready for anything that comes my way. With our coaching staff, they set us up to be successful.”

DJ, it was great catching up with you today. I wish you and the team success going forward.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Harvey family; DJ Harvey at Oregon