He started all thirteen games at left end, posting forty-nine tackles (thirty-one solo), including 8.5 sacks and seventeen tackles for a loss (tenth best on the Gators' single-season records list). After the Gators played in the Capital One Bowl, Harvey announced he would enter the NFL Draft. In his three seasons as a Gator, Harvey played in thirty-six games and started eighteen. He closed his college career with 20.5 quarterback sacks (ninth on the Gators' career record list), and 51.5 tackles for a loss (third on the Gators' career record list). He also compiled ninety tackles (fifty-nine solo), caused two fumbles and recovered three, and deflected six passes. Prior to the NFL Combine, Harvey had run the 40-yard dash in times from 4.67-4.78 at a weight of 252 pounds. He drew comparisons to Bryan Thomas. Harvey was drafted 8th overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2008 NFL Draft. He was the first defensive end chosen by the Jaguars in the first round in franchise history, and was the third of four defensive ends chosen in the first round of 2008 draft. Harvey was the last 2008 first-round draft pick to sign a contract. On August 27, 2008, he signed a 5-year, $23.8 million contract with the Jaguars. The contract contained $17.175 million in guaranteed money and could have reached $33.4 million, had all the incentives and escalators been met. Harvey set the Jaguars' record for longest rookie holdout, totaling 38 days. It was formerly held by Byron Leftwich, whose holdout lasted 19 days. He was waived on July 29, 2011. On August 1, 2011, Harvey signed with the Denver Broncos. He had no sacks and two tackles during the 2011 season, and the Broncos did not re-sign him. On March 23, 2012, Harvey Signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. On August 5, 2012, Harvey was released by the Bengals.