Roster Brush Up: FB Mario Harvey
By Noah Gebert
Nov 24, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Mario Harvey (54) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Colts 40-11. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Before the 2014 NFL Regular Season kicks off, Naptown’s Finest gives background on some lesser known players on the 2014 Indianapolis Colts roster.
One of the hot stories this year in Indianapolis Colts training camp is the status of 26 year old linebacker-turned-fullback, Mario Harvey. The 6’0″, 264 pound Marshall product is trying his best to adapt to a completely new position on the opposite side of the ball after playing as a linebacker and special teams contributor throughout college and the pros. Harvey saw some time as a heavy package fullback for the Colts beginning in 2012.
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Harvey was an undrafted free agent coming out of Marshall University and was signed originally by the Pittsburg Steelers on July 26, 2011. He was released by the team before the start of the regular season and signed a reserve/future contract with the Indianapolis Colts in January of 2012. Since that time, Harvey has competed in 25 contests with the Colts, recording 27 total tackles. Arguably two of Harvey’s most popular plays came on special teams. The first came in week 1 of the 2013 regular season in the first quarter when Harvey ran down the field on kickoff coverage and performed a suplex tackle of sorts on then Oakland Raiders kick returner, Jacoby Ford. The second play came in week 6 of the 2013 regular season when Lawrence Guy blocked a Seattle Seahawks field goal which fell into the hands of Colts safety Delano Howell. As Howell neared the goal line, Harvey flattened Seahawks’ punter Jon Ryan. Harvey ended the 2013 on Injured Reserve.
This year marks a new beginning for Harvey as he cut off his long dreadlocks, changed his jersey number from 54 to 49, and started working mainly from the offensive side of the ball. Though it will be an uphill battle, Harvey could prove to be a valuable fullback. He will certainly receive a fair opportunity to state his case after Colts’ incumbent fullback, Stanley Havili, was place on the Physically Unable to Perform list earlier in the week. Harvey will also be battling Cam White for a spot on this year’s final roster.