Overview

Harvin's speed and elusiveness in the open field makes him a special prospect, whether teams project him as a receiver or running back.

He arrived in Gainesville as one of the top recruits in the country because of his ultra-productive high school football and track career in Virginia. So his early departure from Florida was expected after a first-team All-SEC junior season. His versatility as a runner (660 yards on only 70 carries - 9.4-yard average - and 10 scores) and receiver (644-40-16.1-7) also made him an all-purpose All-American in 2008. Had an arm span of 31 5/8 inches and a hand span of 9 3/8 inches at the combine.

Harvin's durability will be an issue, but his propensity to get big yardage on every touch -- even when less than 100 percent -- will likely allay any fears teams have about making him a mid-to-late first-round pick.

Considered the nation's top wide receiver prospect by Scout.com following his four-year career at Landstown High School in Virginia Beach, Va... Listed as the nation's top recruit according to rivals.com and Scout.com also listed Harvin as the nation's No. 2 overall prospect in 2006... Earned Parade All-American honors as a senior... Selected to participate in the U.S. Army All-American Game... Named the 2004 National Junior of the Year by Rivals.com.

Harvin is the only athlete in Virginia history to claim five gold medals at the state track and field championships... Finished his prep career with 75 catches for 1,313 yards with 14 touchdown receptions... Also rushed for 504 yards and 13 additional scores his senior season... Recorded a total of 33 touchdowns as a senior... Caught 58 passes for 1,016 yards (17.5 per catch) and 17 touchdowns while rushing 68 times for 726 yards (10.7 per carry) and 10 touchdowns as a junior en route to helping lead Landstown to Group AAA state championship.

Named Offensive Player of the Year in the Beach District and Eastern Region in 2004... Recorded four punt returns for touchdowns as a junior... Captain of varsity basketball and football teams... Chose Florida over Florida State, Miami (FL), Michigan and USC.

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Analysis

Positives: Shorter than scouts would like, but has a strong, compact build. Rare straight-line speed. Rare elusiveness. Can make defenders miss in tight quarters. Good vision when running in space. Sets up his blocks well and can cut back against the grain. Good agility as a route-runner. Strong, secure hands for the reception. Courageous going over the middle. Gathers in the pass and quickly moves upfield to maximize production. Can extend outside of his frame to make the spectacular reception. Versatile athlete who can contribute as a receiver, running back and shows great potential as a returner, although he never attempted a kick or punt return at Florida. Has struggled with durability, but is considered a physically tough player.

Negatives: Looks shorter on film than his listed 5-11. Many of his plays in this offense were slip screens designed to get him the ball quickly and in space. Could struggle acclimating to a more pro-style offense. Lack of success at the NFL level from former receivers from Meyer's offense is troubling. Has struggled with durability. Missed practice time in 2008 with ankle, hip pointer and tendonitis in his knee and heel.

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