Navy is lead by do-it-all quarterback Keenan Reynolds, who is one of college football’s most productive players along with being an inspiration on and off the field. He’ll lead the Midshipmen against Tyler Boyd and the Pittsburgh Panthers.
By: Patrick Callaway
Navy
Keenan Reynolds, QB/RB#19, 5’11, 205
Reynolds is the centerpiece of the Navy football program. He is a lean and short triple option quarterback with outside running ability that projects to be a running back at the NFL level. Reynolds is a very elusive runner that has good burst and footwork. He used all of those traits along with a talented arm to set the FBS touchdown record over the course of his career at 85 on his way to earning the American Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year honors as well as All-American honors. His major flaw as a runner is his power and ability to run the ball between the tackles, but he may find a home as a situational running back or slot receiver at the next level, and he’ll be at the Shrine Game as a running back in mid November.
Chris Swain, FB#37, 6’1, 235
Swain is a downhill running fullback or B-Back in the Midshipmen’s offense. He has a very muscular frame but is not a bruising runner. His major flaws are his inability to get yards after contact which is essential for a full-back that carries the ball a lot and inability to run the ball outside. Swain plays an essential role in the offense as he is often the first option of the triple option. It will be great to see how effective Swain will be against the stout Pittsburgh front 7.
K. Binns, OG#57, 6’3, 295
Binns plays LG for Navy. He is predominantly a run blocking guard that fires off the ball low and hard. The All-American Athletic Conference selection plays the very important role of climbing to the second level to get a hat on linebackers and pave the way for Reynolds and Swain. His major flaw is his ability to pass set as he often turns and runs to stop pass rushers rather than having a tempo kick-slide. Binns ability to move Pitts’s experienced D-Linemen will be the key to the game.
Pittsburgh
Tyler Boyd, WR#23, 6’2, 200 (JR)
Boyd is lanky receiver with above average height that can be a deep threat or a possession receiver. The junior is a premier receiving threat that can run every route on the route tree from the inside or outside receiver positions. This All-American has had a stellar collegiate career and looks to finish it off strong as many expect this will be his last game in a Pitt Panthers uniform. His ability to lineup anywhere on the field along with a large catch radius reminds me a lot of Larry Fitzgerald (Pitt-Arizona Cardinals). If he declares, he will be a first round draft pick that will be an immediate starter on a NFL team.
P. Holtz, TE#86, 6’4, 250
Hotly is a pass catching TE that has a muscular and filled out frame. His route running skills and soft hands allow him to be very productive in the passing game. His best fit in the running game is as a lead blocker rather than an in line Y position. His major flaw is the leverage that he plays with in the running game that often results in him being moved off the P.O.A. The All-ACC selection should be a Day 3 NFL Draft selection that will initially be a backup TE but will eventually develop into a starter and a serious red zone threat.
Juan Price, DE#5, 6’0, 250
Price is a short but stocky and muscular pass rushing DE. Price is overcoming three consecutive season ending injuries to put together a remarkable senior campaign that has him in a position to play at the next level. His initial and lateral quickness along with a burst to the quarterback has made him a nightmare for opposing offenses all season long. Price has the athleticism to play either 4-3 DE or 3-4 OLB. His major flaw is his lower body strength which prevents him from being stout in the running game but that is something that can be improved. Price should have a big game vs. Navy as he will be able to slant behind pulling guards to make plays in the backfield. Price has Day 2 talent but his long injury rap sheet may prevent him from being draftable.
Nick Grigsby, LB#3, 6’1, 220
Grigsby is a versatile linebacker that can play the run, cover and rush the passer. He is a jack of all trades but a master a none meaning that he is not dynamic in any of the three above categories. Will be predominantly a special teams or sub package player at the NFL level. His hard work and leadership skills which led to him being All-ACC and also a team captain will also lead to him making an NFL roster as a UDFA.
Darryl Render, DT#91, 6’2, 300
Render is a base down DT that plays 3-technique in a 4-3 scheme. On passing plays he typically is a productive power rusher due to his upper body strength. Will be a key cog to the defense vs. Navy as he will be able to use his exceptional lateral quickness to disrupt plays in the backfield. Darryl will be an UDFA that could make the final roster as a base down backup.
Lafayette Pitts, CB#6, 5’11, 195
Pitts is an averaged height and lean press corner that plays on the outside on either side of the field. He plays Bump and Run well and would excel in a defense such as a Cover 2 based defense where pressing the receivers is essential. His major flaw is his lack of recovery speed and quickness. Pitts will be an UDFA that will make the final roster as a 4th CB because he can play outside only. Vs. Navy he will be forced to demonstrate his ability to come up and make plays in run support.
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