Willie Harvey Jr. (born January 9, 1996) is a professional football linebacker making waves in the United Football League (UFL). Currently playing for the St. Louis Battlehawks, Harvey’s journey from a standout high school athlete in Hastings, Florida, to a seasoned pro is one of resilience, talent, and determination.

Early Life and High School Success

Growing up in Hastings, Florida, Harvey attended Pedro Menendez High School, where his talent as a linebacker quickly became evident. In his senior year, he recorded 131 tackles, including 49 solo stops, four sacks, and three forced fumbles. These achievements earned him first-team all-state honors from the Sun Sentinel and a spot on the Class 5A Elite all-state team.

College Career at Iowa State

Harvey played college football for the Iowa State Cyclones from 2014 to 2018, showcasing his versatility by excelling at all three linebacker positions. After redshirting in 2014, he quickly established himself as a key defensive player:

• 2015 (RS Freshman): Played 12 games, starting eight, and recorded 59 tackles.
• 2016 (Sophomore): Tied for the team lead with 78 tackles, earning Honorable Mention All-Big 12 honors.
• 2017 (Junior): Started all 12 games, posting 76 tackles and 11.5 tackles for loss. He earned his second Honorable Mention All-Big 12 recognition.
• 2018 (Senior): Started all 13 games, finishing second on the team in tackles (76) and earning Honorable Mention All-Big 12 for the third consecutive season.

Harvey capped off his college career by participating in the 2019 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.

Professional Journey

Cleveland Browns

Despite receiving draftable grades, Harvey went undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft but signed with the Cleveland Browns as a free agent. His time with the Browns saw multiple stints on the practice squad and active roster, marked by moments of promise but interrupted by injuries and roster moves.

St. Louis Battlehawks

In November 2022, Harvey was drafted by the St. Louis Battlehawks of the XFL (now UFL). He re-signed with the team in January 2024 and was named to the 2024 All-UFL Team in recognition of his outstanding performance. Though his contract was terminated in June 2024 to pursue an NFL opportunity, he returned to the Battlehawks on January 17, 2025, ready to lead the team once again.

Dallas Cowboys

In 2024, Harvey had a brief stint with the Dallas Cowboys but returned to the Battlehawks after being waived.

Looking Ahead

Willie Harvey Jr.’s journey is far from over. With a proven track record of resilience and skill, his return to the Battlehawks signals a commitment to excelling in the UFL. Fans and teammates alike are eager to see how Harvey continues to impact the league in 2025.

Stay tuned as Willie Harvey Jr. takes the field for the Battlehawks, proving that hard work and determination can pave the way for greatness in professional football.

title image By David – https://www.flickr.com/photos/bootbearwdc/52729930883/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=129317716