One to Watch Interview: 2018 SS Victor Harvey Jr. Making Most of Opportunities with Coconut Creek

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Sports is all about opportunity and talent. A player can have the talent but never get the opportunity to show it leaving said player and those around him to wonder what if? Victor Harvey Jr. got a taste of top Florida varsity football during the 2015 season leading to a call to action in 2016.

St. Thomas Aquinas is one of the top high school football programs in the nation, routinely placing young men into the college ranks. The Raiders won a state title in 2015 running through their schedule with a 13-1 mark beating Viera 45-10 for the trophy. Along the way, Harvey worked his way from the junior varsity level to varsity midway through his sophomore season. Seeking a known opportunity for playing time along with a chance to compete for a starting job, in the off-season Harvey transferred from Aquinas to Coconut Beach.

The move has paid off for the rising talent who is now the starting safety for Coconut Creek, taking the place of 2016 Arkansas commit Alex Jean-Baptiste. Along with a move in schools came a big shift in physical presence. Playing corner last year at around 160 pounds has given way to a 6-1, 180 pound, safety who can cover and come down to help stop the run.

In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I sat down with the Class of 2018 prospect to get an overview on his transfer, his playing abilities, and his recruitment to date.

Interview

Victor, in the off-season you made a big move from Aquinas to Coconut Creek. How has the transfer gone for you so far?

“It was a really great move for me. Everything has been going uphill since then. I got what I wanted out of the transfer, it’s been a great move for me.”

How did you prepare over the summer for your junior year?

“I worked on my speed a lot and getting my weight up. I was around 160 last year. I worked on perfecting my technique and improving my footwork. I worked a lot on learning the game by watching film and learning new things about the game.”

What are some of the things you do well on the field as a safety?

“I’m a very physical player. I can cover the slot, which is a big advantage against the teams we play. I can come into the box to make tackles and I can play the deep ball well.”

What strides have you made in your game from last year to this year?

“I definitely have gotten a lot faster from last year to this year. Knowing the game better, knowing the safety spot, and knowing how to read certain plays have made a big difference. I am reacting faster from a mental stand point.”

You played corner at Aquinas and now you are at safety, which position do you feel more comfortable playing?

“I like playing strong safety. I like playing rover or dropping down playing the nickel back. I like strong safety the most.”

Did you max out this summer on any of the football lifts?

“I did. I maxed out at 250 on bench and 375 on squat.”

What was the best 40-yard dash time you ran this summer?

“A low 4.6 and a high 4.5.”

Are any schools showing recruiting interest in you right now?

“I’m talking to Northern Iowa, Michigan State, and Ohio State. Miami is keeping in touch with me. There are a couple of other schools that have been reaching out to me on Twitter. Clemson and Florida have sent mail.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“Yes, I have taken visits to Miami, this summer, and I went up to Florida and Central Florida last year.”

Do you have any visits planned coming up?

“None planned right now for the season. After the season I am going to West Virginia and Ohio State. Those two I know for sure.”

Do you play any other varsity sports?

“I participated in track at Aquinas but more for helping improve my speed, not for competing in meets.”

What is your overall GPA right now?

“I have a 3.0.”

It is still early for you, but have you set up test times for the ACT or SAT yet?

“I’m taking both in October, the first chance for me to take them.”

Tough team question for you. I know Coconut Creek has gotten off to a tough start at 0-4, but that does not mean the season is lost. Do you see the team rebounding for a run to the playoffs?

“We should be able to turn things around. We’ve only had one district game so far. Some of the games we’ve played this season did not go our way. We had some costly turnovers. We have a bye this week. We should get things together and turn it around coming out of our bye week.”

Are there any games on the schedule coming up that you are a little more excited to play than the others?

“Cardinal Gibbons (Sept. 29). I know a lot of guys on that team. I’m looking forward to the Hallandale (Oct. 7) game and the Blanche Ely (Oct. 14) game. In our last game against American Heritage (Plantation) I led the team in tackles. I’m ready to get back out onto the field.”

Fun question, are there any college football games this week you are excited to watch?

“I always watch Ohio State every weekend. I’m excited to see Florida (vs. Tennessee) and Miami’s next game (vs. Georgia Tech). Miami is doing really well this season. I’d like to see them keep that up.”

Victor, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Harvey family; Victor Harvey Jr. (left) with Andrew Chatfield.

Photo credit: Harvey family; Victor Harvey Jr.