Virginia Tech Commit DJ Harvey is an SI All-American Candidate

Harvey, a 4-star defensive back from Chatsworth, California, is currently the top-rated recruit in Virginia Tech's 2021 class

The accolades continue to roll in for 2021 California defensive back DJ Harvey.

The 2021 4-star recruit has been named as a Sports Illustrated All-American candidate. This news came on the heels of Harvey being named a Second Team All-American by MaxPreps last week for its "All-Purpose" position. 

Over his last two high school seasons, Harvey has accumulated 123 receptions for 2,112 yards and 13 touchdowns on offense, while also compiling 11 interceptions on defense.

Over the coming weeks, SI will unveil its preseason top 10 for each of 14 position groups. SI will unveil its initial top 99 ranking, the SI99, on August 24. This process began this past week, as the top 10 quarterbacks were unveiled by SI All-American.

The evaluation process will continue throughout the season “until the list of 1,000 contenders coalesces around just 25 young men who can say proudly they are the best of the best -- they are Sports Illustrated All-Americans,” said SI Director of Football Recruiting John Garcia, Jr.

The candidates will be narrowed to 250 in October and 99 in November, and will culminate with 25 first-team Sports Illustrated All-Americans saluted at SI’s annual Sportsperson of the Year banquet in New York in December.

Prospect: D.J. Harvey

Status: SI All-American Candidate

Vitals: 5-foot-11, 166 pounds

School: Chatsworth (Calif.) Sierra Canyon School

Position: Athlete

Committed to: Virginia Tech

Projected Position: Cornerback

Frame: Enough length to be able to compete with the 6’3"/6’4" receivers of the world. He also fits the mold of a nickel back.

Athleticism: Every ounce of this young man is filled with explosive muscle. He can flat out scoot. He can flat out jump. He’s got great hip mobility. No slouch when it comes time to bring the wood, either.

Instincts: Harvey still gives past opposing quarterbacks nightmares. His closing speed combined with his nose for the ball is an exciting combination, and when you pair that with how dangerous he is with the ball in his hands, it might be better to just avoid his side of the field.

Polish: Plus vision as a ball carrier and as a passing thief. Good tackler in a world full of two-hand-touch-ers. Not so much of a gambler as he is a baiter. He is a walking game-breaker in all three phases but is most effective in off-ball coverage.

Bottom Line: DJ Harvey is one of those athletes coaches use to nullify the other team’s best athlete. As a better receiver than most of the receivers he’s asked to guard, Harvey is most dangerous right before his break on the throw. He’s gifted in the art of deception, baiting an absurd amount of bad throws by opposing QB’s.