From Valdosta, GA, Josh Harvey-Clemons was a part of one of the great runs in the history of the University of Louisville. Harvey-Clemons, who originally played at the University of Georgia, later transferred to Louisville. With Lamar Jackson on offense and Harvey-Clemons on defense, UofL was a College Football Playoff contender. He played at Lowndes High School, where he ranked as a five-star player, No 2. OLB in the state; and the No. 36 overall prospect in the country by Scouts.com. Harvey-Clemons also participated in the 2012 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Harvey-Clemons started 11 games at Georgia his sophomore year. After transferring, he became a starter for two years and received All-ACC Honorable Mention. At Louisville, the linebacker compiled 148 total tackles, three interceptions, and two sacks. In 2015 he finished third on the team with 88 tackles on the season as he played a mix of safety and linebacker.
The Washington Football Team drafted Harvey-Clemons in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Harvey-Clemons seemed to be finding his footing in the NFL as his numbers increased from his rookie year. He had 22 tackles, a sack, and three passes defended in his second season. Unfourtlany in 2019, the linebacker dealt with hamstring injuries; then COVID-19 hit. Harvey-Clemons opted out of the 2020 season due to concerns about the virus. He and his two sons have asthma; the linebacker is returning to football for the 2021 season.
“Mentally, I’ve prepared myself to expect anything as 2020 has shown us. We never know what tomorrow brings. Since COVID, I’ve been training myself mentally to normalize discomfort! Physically I’m taking the same approach.” Harvey-Clemons said. “As we saw last year, there were numerous injuries because of the change in the off-season team training. So I’m ramping up my training in hopes of being in the best shape possible, whether we have OTAs or not. I have to be as close to playing shape as I can get.”
Josh Harvey-Clemons is a versatile player who can play the edge, stop the run, and drop in coverage. He wasn’t able to show his improvement in 2020 but is preparing to return to the field in 2021. The Washington Football Team recently released the linebacker. It now gives him the chance to seek the best scheme and team that is best for his skill set. Harvey-Clemons is a matchup problem for NFL offenses, given his size and toughness. Not only is he ready to make an impact on the field but also in his community.
“My aspirations for this year is to be the best version of myself on & off the field. I want to help the team elevate in any way that I can. I also want to help the community elevate in any way that I can.”
In the offseason, Harvey-Clemons was hard at work providing for his community. He signed with the management company Total 360 Management to help advance his efforts. The Valdosta, GA native recently opened a fitness center for all sports and all ages. Been Living Humble seeks to impact and give the youth a modern gym to improve their mind, body, and wellness.
“Community service is vital to me because of the youth. When I look at a lot of these kids, I see myself & it’s important to me that they know that someone cares about their future. Total 360 Management can help provide different platforms for me to interact & engage in the community to figure out how to elevate the community & provide different resources to help me make a positive impact in the community.”
After a year of injury and dealing with the pandemic, Harvey-Clemons is ready to return to the game he loves. The linebacker makes an impact anytime he’s on the field. But his more powerful impact comes off the field. The community is better with the likes of Josh Harvey-Clemons giving back.
