If Keenan Reynolds is able to make his living in the NFL, it might look a lot like one of the best return men in pro football history.
The former Navy quarterback who set an NCAA quarterback record with 88 career rushing touchdowns is trying to get his chance in the NFL as a running back, but NFL Media analyst Charles Davis sees Reynolds in the mold of 1995 Pro Bowler Brian Mitchell, who was better known for his return skills. Mitchell holds the NFL records for career kickoff and punt return yardage.
"(Brian Mitchell) was the first quarterback in college football history with over 5,000 yards passing and 3,000 yards rushing, but when he got to the NFL he had to change it up," Davis said on NFL Network's "Path to the Draft". "They made him a running back but where he really had his best value was as a kick and punt returner, and his name litters the NFL record book with the damage he did."
Reynolds didn't return kicks or punts at Navy -- ever. That's OK, Davis noted, Mitchell learned on the fly, as well.
Reynolds is undersized for an NFL rusher at 5-fooot-11, 205 pounds, but was an explosive catalyst for Navy's triple-option offense and has led an impressive run of success for the Midshipmen, including an unbeaten mark against rival Army and four consecutive bowl appearances. Davis believes Reynolds is pursuing the right offensive position.
"His running ability, his shiftiness, his toughness, I see him as a running back," Davis added. "I know some people see him as a slot receiver. I see him as a runner and I think he can learn how to return kicks and give himself some added value."
Still, there is no real consensus on what position Reynolds might ultimately be asked to play. Reynolds recently worked out at four different positions for NFL scouts, and NFL Media senior analyst Gil Brandt sees him as more of a fit as a slot receiver.
For Reynolds, any opportunity is a good one.
*Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter **@ChaseGoodbread*.
