Why WR Harvey reminds Graham of himself
The sequence perfectly captured Jalen Harvey.
In last Saturday’s fourth quarter, the Arizona State receiver stayed on the Sun Devil Stadium grass after catching a pass and securing a first down. Harvey tried to get up, grabbing the hand of a teammate for help, but dropped in pain, clutching his collarbone. ASU’s medical staff rushed on the field and after a minute, Harvey got up and jogged to the sideline.
Two plays later, on 3rd-and-6, junior quarterback Manny Wilkins hit Harvey on a quick slant. After picking up 10 yards, Harvey sprung to his feet and gave the “first down” signal, completing the biggest play on the biggest drive of ASU’s season. Four plays later, Brandon Ruiz kicked a 41-yard field goal, the winning points over then-No. 24 Oregon.
“I could’ve come off the field and sat down, but at the same time I knew the team needed me so I had to get back up,’’ Harvey said. “It’s just the will. I have it.”
N’Keal Harry is ASU’s most talented receiver, but Harvey might be the offense’s most dependable. Entering Saturday’s contest at Stanford, the 6-1, 203pound junior has caught 16 passes – 15 producing first downs.
In fact, the only one that didn’t move the chains wasn’t really even a pass at all. It was a simple forward pitch from Wilkins as Harvey went in motion before the snap.
“Oh, you’re talking about the 3-yard run?” Harvey said. “I thought (that) was rushing.”
From El Cerrito, Calif., Harvey doesn’t care much for details, or publicity. He didn’t know that Oregon entered last week’s game in the Top 25. He also seemed somewhat surprised when asked if felt overlooked in an offense that features Harry (an emerging star) and running backs Kalen Ballage and Demario Richard (established program names).
“I wouldn’t say ‘underdog,’ “Harvey said, slightly objecting to a reporter’s label. “When my number is called, I just have to make sure I’m making that play or making the first down to keep the drive alive.”
Receivers often are prima donnas. They need the ball. They need attention. Harvey doesn’t. Position coach Rob Likens praises the receiver for his willingness to do the “dirty work.” Coach Todd Graham praises him for something else entirely. He says of everyone on the team, Harvey is most like him, and this causes Graham to laugh because he admits, it isn’t always good.
“He’s just so passionate, so competitive,’’ Graham said. “I like that about him. He can’t stand to lose. I tell him his greatest asset is his passion, his enthusiasm, and his competitiveness. And his greatest deficit is the same three things. … I tell him all the time: You and I got the same disease.”
Harvey’s reaction: “I don’t know about similarities. He just loves my fire.”
Three years ago, Graham tried Harvey on defense, lining up the redshirtfreshmen at spur linebacker for a week in practice. Harvey initially liked the move. He thought it was fun. And then offensive linemen starting pulling in his direction and he quickly realized this wasn’t for him.
These days, Harvey’s content to just keep moving the chains. The athletic department has started calling him, “Mr. First Down” on social media. Through four games, as ASU’s offense continues to shape its identity, Harvey already has secured his.
“I just love keeping the drive alive,’’ Harvey said. “I don’t like field goals. If I feel like I got to make that first down, that’s what I have to do.”