Keenan Reynolds is hoping for a shot at the NFL.
Reynolds set the record for most career rushing touchdowns (88) during his four-year tenure as Navy's quarterback, and finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting last winter.
However, Reynolds is slated to become an information warfare officer and the Naval Academy demands a five-year service commitment upon graduation.
Reynolds believes he can realistically play pro football while serving in the Navy, but acknowledges there are some logistical hurdles to overcome.
"That's definitely up to the Navy; we have to meet. But I'm happy either way. I know what I signed up for and service is paramount," Reynolds told ESPN's Paul Kuharsky. "If I get my opportunity to do both, then so be it. If not and they want me to do what I signed up to do, do my time first, then so be it as well. I knew what I was getting myself into when I came here."
Reynolds points to New England Patriots long snapper Joe Cardona as an example of someone who can fulfill their naval commitment while playing in the NFL. Cardona was selected in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft and played in all 16 games during his rookie year.
"One thing I've said throughout this entire process is how important service is to me," Reynolds said. "It's the reason why I came to the academy. The big thing is that we have a guy who's pretty much the model officer, he's doing everything he's doing on the Navy side of things and he's also got the opportunity to play in the NFL while serving. If I'm lucky, maybe I'll get the opportunity."
Reynolds is an intriguing prospect and could be converted to wide receiver due to his speed and size. With the draft approaching, it'll be compelling to see whether Reynolds can live out both of his dreams.