UCF position preview: Running back

The second in a position-by-position look at the 2024 Knights heading into fall camp:

TODAY: RUNNING BACK

What to expect

RJ Harvey ’s decision to return for another season was perhaps the best offseason news the Knights could have received. Harvey is coming off a career year (1,416 yards, 16 TDs) in which he was named a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award. He’s the cornerstone of a unit that could undoubtedly be one of the best in college football.

“That was a huge thing for our program, not just our offense but our program,” coach Gus Malzahn said of Harvey’s return. “He’s one of the better running backs in college football, and not only did he come back but also came back in a leadership role.

“He’s the guy leading the voluntary workouts, whether it’s all the weekends or during the week. His leadership has really taken the next step.”

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Johnny Richardson (573 yards, TD) also returns after another strong season in which the speedster helped change the group’s pace. But the addition of transfers Myles Montgomery and Peny Boone can take UCF’s backfield to another level.

Boone was named Mid-American Conference Player of the Year last season after rushing for 1,400 yards and a 7.2 yards per carry average. His presence and Harvey give the Knights the perfect 1-2 punch for its ground game.

On the roster

RJ Harvey, 5th year
Johnny Richardson, 5th year
Kam Ingram, RS-Jr.
Preston Foreman, RS-So.

Departures

Demarkus Bowman (transfer)
Jordan McDonald (transfer to Boston College)
Mark-Antony Richards (eligibility)

Arrivals

Myles Montgomery, RS-Jr. (transfer from Cincinnati)
Peny Boone, Junior (transfer from Toledo)
Tyler Wrenn, RS-So. (walk-on)
Stacy Gage, Fr. (signee)
Jorge De La Nuez, Fr. (walk-on)

Projected depth chart

RB1 — RJ Harvey
RB2 — Peny Boone
RB3 — Johnny Richardson
RB4 — Myles Montgomery
RB5 — Kam Ingram

Matt Murschel can be reached at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com