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Trio of UCF Alums Make Highlight Plays in NFL Preseason
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- Trio of UCF Alums Make Highlight Plays in NFL Preseason
(Isaiah J. Downing/Imagn Images)
The UCF Knights were well represented in Week 2 of the NFL preseason, featuring the Green Bay Packers facing the Denver Broncos on Friday night.
Three alums made highlight plays on the field: Packers running back Jaden Nixon and defensive end Nyjalik Kelly, and Broncos running back RJ Harvey .
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Harvey kicked the night off with a 21-yard receiving touchdown from quarterback Bo Nix in the first quarter. He ran a wheel route past a linebacker, and Nix floated the pass into his tailback's chest and tackled into the end zone.
Harvey is entering his second season with the Broncos after a stellar rookie season. The 60th overall pick became the team's lead back after his teammate, J.K. Dobbins, sustained a season-ending foot injury in Week 10.
He thrived in his role, helping Denver lock up the AFC West division title. Harvey tallied 326 yards and five touchdowns on 96 carries, and added 181 yards and one touchdown on 22 catches.
Nixon punched in his own score three quarters later. He powered through the trenches for a 3-yard rushing touchdown , pushing Green Bay 's lead to 17 points (30-13).
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Friday's game was his first preseason action, and he made the most of his opportunity. Nixon rushed for 20 yards on four carries, finishing second behind Pierre Strong Jr., who rushed for 37 yards on eight carries.
The 23-year-old was part of a dynamic backfield duo with Myles Montgomery last season. They combined for over 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Nixon went undrafted and signed with the Packers . Green Bay has a deep running back group, but he can make an impact on special teams, as he did at UCF in his final season.
Kelly capped off the night for Knights highlights. He got a strip sack on quarterback Sam Ehlinger three minutes after Nixon scored his touchdown.
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It was his lone sack of the night, and he had half of the team's sacks. Defensive tackle Anthony Campbell recorded the other.
The 21-year-old also went undrafted and signed with the Packers. He impressed the coaches and front office throughout the offseason and signed a contract worth over $250,000 .
At UCF, he was part of a dynamic edge rushing duo with Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Malachi Lawrence. Kelly recorded 46 tackles (34 solo), three passes defended, three sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception in his senior season.
Harvey has already cemented himself as a rotational running back for Denver, but preseason gave Nixon and Kelly opportunities they likely won't have in the regular season.
