Battlehawks LB Harvey, Rose thrive in continuity

Even on a new and improved St. Louis Battlehawks defense, the main standout from the opening week of the UFL season is someone who has been there from the beginning.

Linebacker Willie Harvey totaled seven tackles, including five solo, to lead the defense in the Battlehawks 18-16 road loss against the Michigan Panthers on Saturday, March 30, in Detroit.

"Willie had a good game for us but he could have had a Hall of Fame game," said Battlehawks defensive coordinator Donnie Abraham. "He had some missed opportunities in that game that we showed him and coached him up on."

Despite the loss, the Battlehawks have certainly shown that they have a much better defensive unit compared to a year ago when the offense had to win the day.

"We're more athletic, we're faster," Harvey said. "We got some guys who can move and cover. I feel like around the board, we've upgraded in a sense."

For a player who entered the season as one of the team captains, it was the ideal introduction to such a role.

"It's something I feel like I've been lacking in my career," Harvey said on having the belief from his coaches, "just taking that next step in being a leader this offseason after last year. That's something I really wanted to focus on."

Harvey's pro football career encompasses his three years in and out of the Cleveland Browns organization and his current time with the Battlehawks. After appearing in only four games between 2019-21, Harvey amassed 59 tackles while playing in all 10 games during the 2023 XFL season.

His second season under Abraham's system has given the linebacker something he has yet to experience as a pro, continuity.

"It's honestly the first or second time I've gotten the same system defensive-wise in my whole career," Harvey said. "It's definitely easy when you can refer back to last year and it's the same system and not learn something else."

By knowing Abraham's system going into Year 2, Harvey is thriving in the freedom that comes with his position.

"This year is more about just honing in on those small things in the system to allow me to play fast," Harvey said.

Along with Harvey, another Iowa State alum stood out in St. Louis' linebacker group. Mike Rose, who was playing for the Cyclones while Harvey was in the NFL, started his second season with the Battlehawks right with an interception in the first half.

Rose was a freshman when Harvey was a senior at Iowa State. Abraham said their collegiate chemistry is paying off in the pros.

"[Mike Rose] and Willie Harvey go way back so they have a great relationship as far as off the field and on the field," Abraham said. "Those guys played well together and [Rose] is gonna just continue to grow for us."

Rose was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year at Iowa State and joined the Battlehawks in the XFL last season after being cut by the Kansas City Chiefs. He racked up 35 tackles before injuries derailed his first season in St. Louis. His performance in Michigan is a sign of a potentially potent season.

"He's one of the leaders of the defense," Abraham said of Rose. "He controls our defense for us, and we are just looking forward to him having another outstanding season."

Like last season, the Battlehawks will open the home slate of the season against the Arlington Renegades on Saturday, April 6, at the Dome of America's Center. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. and is the only game this season that St. Louis will play in primetime.