From earning the Dean’s Award as the Most Valuable Freshman to becoming a starting linebacker his sophomore season, former Rochelle Township High School standout Alex Harvey is becoming an anchor on defense for the WashU-St. Louis football program.

Harvey totaled 19 tackles in nine games as a freshman, but that production grew exponentially this past fall, when Harvey recorded 50 total tackles and appeared in all 10 games. His best effort came in a 35-10 victory over North Park on Oct. 5, 2019, when he compiled a career-high 10 tackles, including 1.5 tackles-for-loss, while adding one of his three sacks during the season. Harvey notched his first career sack in a 43-7 win against The University of Chicago on Sept. 7.

“From my freshman season, I was able to become a more physical player while also understanding the defense more in depth,” Harvey said. “Knowing the defense at a much deeper level let me play with much more intensity, and I want to carry that over to next season. Coming in as a sophomore, my biggest adjustment was going from a mentee as a freshman to someone the freshmen look to for advice. I enjoyed getting to know the new guys and I look forward to being back on the field with them next season.”

Harvey’s effort on defense has helped the Bears compile a 15-5 record over the last two seasons. His sophomore campaign included his first two collegiate fumble recoveries, with the second coming in a 21-0 road victory at Illinois Wesleyan on Oct. 26. He finished with four tackles for loss, and he recorded at least five total tackles in six of his games.

“I filled a much more active role and I played most of our snaps,” Harvey said. “I was able to make my presence felt much more than I did last season. I would like to continue that trend next season and provide more guidance for my teammates… This was a season of building and learning and I hope to take that knowledge into next season and continue improving.”

WashU has barely missed the postseason in each of the last two years, but the Bears will look to make another run when they kick off the 2020 season against UC on Sept. 5. Harvey will not be the only RTHS alum suiting up for WashU, however, as he’s expected to be joined by current Rochelle senior lineman Charlie Jandak, who committed to the program earlier this year.

“I’ve enjoyed playing at a high level across the country with people who I’ve become really close with,” Harvey said. “This season, I really felt myself progress on the field and be able to work more seamlessly with my teammates. I was able to make a much larger impact and I was able to settle into my role on the field.”