Mario Harvey Scouting Report

By the end of his freshman campaign, Mario Harvey earned a starting role in the Marshall linebacker corps. He only saw significant action in nine games and did not earn a start until November, but when he was in the game, Harvey was making an impact. In his first career start he totaled 11 tackles, ten of which were solo stops. On the year he ended up with 53 tackles, 3.5 tackles-for-loss and a sack. The following year Harvey was a staple in the starting lineup and totaled 107 tackles for the Thundering Herd.

As an upperclassman Harvey kept putting up impressive numbers. In 2009 he led the team with 117 tackles and added 8.5 tackles-for-loss and 7.0 sacks. Harvey also saved a great game for Marshall's bowl win over Ohio in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl when he tallied 12 tackles and two sacks. Unfortunately that will be Harvey's last bowl appearance as the Thundering Herd will not make a bowl game in 2010. Despite the disappointing season for the team, Harvey has had another stellar season and leads the team with 122 tackles through 11 games. He has even been let loose a little more in the backfield and has 14.5 tackles-for-loss and 6.5 sacks.

Harvey uses his big 6-0, 250 pound frame to lay out some big hits. He has good instincts and more than enough strength. If he can run a decent 40 time leading up to the draft, Harvey could sneak into the third or fourth round. However, his lack of speed will limit him to the inside linebacker position where his pass rushing skills will only come in handy in certain situations.