Potsdam Royals sign Swiss quarterback Bay Harvey for stretch run

The Potsdam Royals have moved quickly to fill the void left by quarterback Xaevier Bullock, signing Swiss quarterback Hugh “Bay” Harvey for the remainder of the 2026 season following Bullock’s departure to the Elecom Kobe Finies of Japan’s X League Premier.

The move comes at a critical point in the season as the defending German Football League champions continue their push toward another title. Bullock, who helped lead the Royals after taking over as the starter in 2025, left Potsdam to join the Finies, who are currently 3-1 and sitting third in the X League Premier standings.

Royals move quickly

Rather than looking for a long-term project, the Royals targeted a quarterback capable of stepping into a championship contender immediately. Harvey arrives after completing a record-setting collegiate career at Johns Hopkins University and participating in the Washington Commanders rookie minicamp earlier this spring.

Harvey said the winning culture in Potsdam was one of the biggest reasons he chose the defending champions.

“I was particularly attracted by the successes of the Potsdam Royals in recent years and also this season. You can feel a culture of excellence here. The players try to get better every day and achieve more together as a team than would be possible individually.”

He added that once discussions with the coaching staff began, the decision came quickly despite needing to work through scheduling commitments with the Swiss national flag football team.

Proven winner

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, Harvey moved to Switzerland as a young child and began playing football with the Thun Tigers, helping the club win a Swiss U19 championship before transferring to Cleveland Heights High School in Ohio.

After arriving at Johns Hopkins, the 6-2, 215 pound Harvey spent two seasons as a backup before taking over as the starter in 2023. During his collegiate career he appeared in 46 games, completing 584 of 867 passes for 7,822 yards with 81 touchdowns and just 13 interceptions. He also rushed for 1,556 yards and 28 touchdowns.

His breakout 2023 season established Harvey as one of the most productive quarterbacks in all of college football. He threw for 3,297 yards and 36 touchdowns while rushing for another 627 yards and 10 scores, leading Johns Hopkins to the NCAA Division III quarterfinals. Harvey was one of just three quarterbacks at any level of college football to throw for at least 35 touchdown passes and rush for 10 or more touchdowns that season, joining LSU’s Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels (40 passing, 10 rushing) and North Central’s Luke Lehnen (48 passing, 13 rushing).

Despite an injury-shortened 2024 campaign, Harvey bounced back in 2025 with 3,304 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, 696 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns, earning finalist honors for the Gagliardi Trophy, along with multiple All-America and academic awards.

Ready for the challenge

Harvey describes himself as a quarterback who prefers to distribute the football from the pocket while using his mobility when necessary rather than relying on it.

He acknowledged that joining a championship contender in the middle of the season presents challenges but said his focus is on quickly mastering the offense and developing chemistry with his new teammates.

“Joining such a strong team and learning a new offense is a big challenge. In addition, you have to develop the chemistry with the receivers.”

Harvey will wear No. 8 for the Royals, whose goal remains unchanged despite the midseason quarterback change. With Bullock continuing his career in Japan, Potsdam is betting that Harvey’s combination of production, athleticism and experience can keep the defending champions on course for another GFL Bowl appearance.