DT Lonnie Harvey catches Panthers eye

[Kevin Greene]

"I had a camera crew come to my Pro Day, film it and put it on YouTube," Harvey said. "I went on a limb and put my own personal information out there. I even put my cell phone number out there just to show how sincere I was about working hard and everything like that."

Now Harvey didn't necessarily need to post the video on-line; he found other ways to make contacts in the NFL -- including with the Panthers.

"Actually, I went to the University of Maryland's Pro Day -- I didn't work out there -- and I ran into (director of college scouting) Don Gregory and (scout) Jeff Beathard," They followed up on me a little bit in my earlier years of college. I would say it was a great circumstance that I ran into them there because we exchanged information.

"From there I got a private workout set up, and I guess I did well enough at my private workout, so they gave me a call on draft day -- the best day of my life."

Harvey's size is enough to draw attention as a potential run-stuffer and hole-clogger; he was listed at 345 pounds during his senior season at Morgan State. But a month after the season, he was carrying 370 pounds on his 6-foot-4 frame.

"That was the biggest I'd ever been in my life," Harvey said. NFL teams like defensive tackles who can fill space -- but not that much space. So before he could consider putting a workout on the Internet, he had to shed pounds -- fast. Weight loss and preparation for workouts had to become a full-time job if he was to stand any chance of being on an NFL roster.

More: http://www.panthers.com/news/article-1/using-youtube-to-give-a-glimpse/93ff5f1f-a568-4179-9b90-299b2587e246

[ncbobcat]

Seems pretty weak for a man his size. He kept get stuffed at the point of attack. You would think he highlights would have been more impressive. He's probably good enough to make the PS at best. As thin as we are at DT, he'll stick to the last round of cuts.

[scpanther22]

one of our DT will have to step up..all of our backups will be rookies and a 1 year player in hayden..

[DaCityKats]

i really think him and favorite will stick around, maybe 1 on the ps.but he will get stronger

[vorbis]

regardless of what happens, you have to like a guy who took it upon himself to put himself in a position where he can find a spot on an NFL team. an attitude and work ethic like that can go a long way towards offsetting any technique or skill shortcomings. time will tell if he's going to see any downs for the panthers, though.

[DaCityKats]

i think he will,did you see the way he abused those lines.can't wait till camp.

[rayzor]

i love this guy. i really think he makes at least the 53 man roster. we don't have any one that comes within20-25 pounds of this guy on defense except kemo who is a couple pounds heavier but 3 inches taller. we have to have this guy on the team. work ethic, footwork, and just flat out bulk/girth is going to make this guy almost a necessity. i know we probably have more big DTs who will come in but this guy is special.

[Pazhoosier89]

I am excited about this guy too and cant wait to see what he does in the preseason. Hope he makes the 53 man and can spell Kemo every once in a while.

[scpanther22]

why is everybody so high on him? i dont see anything special about him

[rayzor]

why is everybody so high on him? i dont see anything special about him

hopefully you will. it has potential to be a really good story and if he makes the team he could do really good things. instant fan favorite if he plays, imo. he's just one of those guys who works really hard to rise above expectations that everyone else has of him...the kind of guy you really want to succeed.

[CatMan72]

Looks like he's got pretty quick feet for a big man... maybe he could shed a few more lbs. and become that 3-technique guy we're looking for?

[KillerKat]

Hope he turns out to be a solid, dependable player. We need all the DT help we can get.

[ItsNotGonnaBeAlright]

He seems smarter and more aware than his technique lets on. Add that in to a solid work ethic and a drive to succeed and you have a very solid foundation for someone who can be coached into something special. Under the motivational force that Baker has become, plus some help from Kemo, this guy shows alot of promise.

Hope he makes the 53.

[rayzor]

Looks like he's got pretty quick feet for a big man... maybe he could shed a few more lbs. and become that 3-technique guy we're looking for?

i like him more in rotation with kemo. use him at the NT.