Ravens assistant general manager Eric DeCosta sat smiling as he and Ozzie Newsome took in the East-West game late last season.
While taking in the action, DeCosta couldn’t help but notice Navy Midshipman quarterback Keenan Reynolds. In fact, Reynolds, whose 4,559 rushing yards are the most in NCAA history among quarterbacks, caught the eye of all the Ravens brass who were in attendance.
The Ravens kept Reynolds in mind as the months passed by, and eventually the 5-10, 190 pound QB took the practice field at the organization’s pro day, where he continued to impress. He impressed so much, the team rolled the dice on him with their first pick in the 6th round (182nd overall).
“He’s a talented guy,” remarked DeCosta. “It’s surprising that he wasn’t at the Combine, I’ll say that. We saw him at the East-West [game] so, that’s an indication that people like him. This is a highly-decorated player and a special kid.
“We knew about him, and I know other teams knew about him, too. He certainly was on the radar screen for a lot of other teams. We’re just lucky that we got him and we got him in a good spot, and he’s going to come in here and hopefully become a slot receiver and become one of the best punt returners in the NFL.”
While he won’t suit up as a quarterback for the Ravens, they envision the Navy product as a wide receiver/kick returner in 2016. Of course, that’s assuming the Academy lets him play. It’s still up to them whether or not to let the first player in NCAA history to score 23 rushing touchdowns in three seasons compete in the NFL this year.
It’s expected that Reynolds will get word from the Navy this week as to whether or not he can play while fulfilling his duties with the Navy.
Until then, Reynolds will concentrate on making the transition to wideout for the upcoming season.
“That’s what I’ve been working on,” explained a visibly excited Reynolds after the draft. “I’ve been running routes like crazy, trying to get quicker with my routes. I’ve been catching punts. Everything they want me to do, I’ve been working on.
“On top of that, I get to work with Steve Smith Sr. and learn from him and try to get better from him. It’s going to be an awesome ride and an awesome time.”
Transitioning from the college game to the pros is never an easy thing. The speed of the game is impossible to mimic. For Reynolds, the young playmaker will work on all aspects of his game and hone in on what he does best.
“I just feel like my best area is in space with the football. Being able to move around and being in space with the football is where I thrive. I feel like that’s where I’m going to find success at the next level.”
While it’s too early to tell just how productive the Midshipman will be in Baltimore, the potential reward far outweighs the risk.
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