The Jaguars wanted a pass rusher, and they got it, in their hometown favorite from the University of Florida. Harvey is a 6’5, 255lbs DE with a quick first step, and an 82-inch wingspan. Harvey looks to be a guy that is going to be able to get at opposing quarterbacks, and for the Jaguars that guy is the Colts’ Peyton Manning.

At Florida, his first season he elected to reshirt, and concentrate on lifting weights. During the 2005 season he played a little bit in nine games picking up six tackles, a sack and a pass deflection. The next season, Harvey started five games before sitting with an injury. During the season he compiled 35 tackles(24 solo) and led the team with 11 sacks. He was also named MVP as his team won the BCS National Title game. In 36 total games at Florida, Derrick started 18 of them, finishing ninth of Florida’s all time sack leaders, with 20.5. He also adding 90 tackles, with 59 of them solo, and recovered 3 fumbles.

Harvey’s high school career at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt Maryland was covered with accolades. Derrick was selected as an All American from sources such as Tom Lemming, EA Sports, Riddell and Super Sports, and was named to the second team All USA honors according to USA Today. Harvey did not start playing football until his junior year. During his senior season, as the team captain his team went 12-1, losing in the state Class 4A semifinals game. During that season he picked up 150 tackles and broke a state record for sacks with 31 in a season.

His lack of size has affected him from holding up when double teamed, but expect the Jaguars to put Derrick on a massive weight lifting program to help bulk him up. With Harvey’s great work ethic and his schooling at Florida, expect him to be a pro bowl attendee soon