UCF running back Peny Boone was MAC Player of the Year in 2023 after rushing for 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns. Unforeseen circumstances brought him to UCF as a late addition in 2024. Working behind RJ Harvey, Boone played more of a rotational role this past season. An award-worthy campaign in 2023 remains fresh in the minds of NFL scouts, however.
Boone recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Boone discussed his breakout 2023 campaign, his long journey to the 2025 NFL Draft, which teams have shown interest in his services, and more.
JM: You were the MAC Player of the Year in 2023, rushing for 1,400 yards and 15 TDs at Toledo. You must have felt vindicated like yeah, I knew I was capable of this.
Peny Boone: I most definitely felt that way. I have a lot of experience under my belt. I wanted to show the league I could carry that load. There aren’t a lot of bigger running backs in this class. I can be a three-down back. I’ve protected the quarterback and caught the ball at a high level. I can run through contact.
I’m thrilled that I had that 2023 season to prove I could carry that workload.
JM: You decided to enter the transfer portal and head to UCF. Why did you make that decision? You played more of a rotational role behind RJ Harvey. You didn’t get a complete opportunity to build on your outstanding 2023 season.
Peny Boone: I was briefly at Louisville. Louisville is a great place, but it wasn’t the right place for my family. I had to prioritize my family. I came to UCF. They had a great backfield when I got there. I kinda knew what my role was going to look like there.
I didn’t see the field as much. My role was to help RJ [Harvey] as a one-two punch. I learned some lessons. I enjoyed learning from different coaches in a new environment. I applied myself as much as I could, even on special teams.
I did what I could to help the team. I knew UCF wouldn’t be my final opportunity. I’m looking forward to proving myself at the next level.
JM: You were at Louisville briefly, as you said. You finish your career by having attended four different programs in total. How are you addressing those questions with scouts?
Peny Boone: I’m just being honest with them. We’re discussing my life story and what brought me to each program. They understand where I’m coming from. I didn’t have bad blood with any of the programs. I just wanted opportunities to play.
The process is going well. I’ve learned a lot from those experiences. In the NFL, you could play for one team one week and another team the next week. Things move fast. Scouts have appreciated my experiences.
I can play in different offenses and schemes. I’m not just a power runner as a bigger back. I can run routes out of the slot or the backfield. I feel like teams appreciate my different experiences. I can be a plug-and-play guy. I have more to show.
RJ Harvey was a workhorse in 2024. I played my role. Teams have been very understanding of the situation.
JM: That’s fair. You recently had a nice Pro Day.
Peny Boone: I came in at 6-foot and 226 pounds. I ran the 40 in the 4.5s, according to different scouts. I ran a 6.93 three-cone and my shuttle was a 4.36. I jumped a 9-foot-2 broad jump. I looked great in the drills. I caught the football smoothly. It was a stellar showcase for me.
I’ve been consistently running in the 4.5s. I had a good day overall. My three-cone and shuttle times were solid. Teams were impressed with my versatility in the drills. I’m more than just a big back. I’m quick on my feet.
JM: Have you met with any NFL teams throughout this pre-draft process?
Peny Boone: I’ve spoken with the Cardinals, Cowboys, Steelers, Dolphins, Lions, and Buccaneers. I have some local days coming up in Tampa Bay and Detroit. I’ve met with a good amount of teams thus far, probably 12-15 teams.
JM: We've appreciated your time today. Why should a team use one of their draft picks on Peny Boone?
Peny Boone: I’m going to help an NFL team at the next level. I can help protect the quarterback and catch the football on third down. I can play on special teams. I feel like I’m ready to contribute right away.
I’m a great teammate as well. Playing in the NFL has always been my dream. I’m going to put my best foot forward. I’ve had to work for everything I have. It’s going to be more of the same at the next level.
