Keenan Reynolds
Navy sinks debate about conference play
Tom Shanahan Jul 8 2018Despite some doomsday predictions joining the American Athletic Conference could backfire on Navy football, not much has changed as the Midshipmen enter their fourth year in the league.Navy has posted winning seasons all three years, captured the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy in...
Shortsighted Heisman failed to promote future
Tom Shanahan Dec 15 2016Dear Heisman Trophy trustees:You blew it. Again.Do you realize the challenge football faces these days with declining numbers at youth levels due to parents concerned about the safety of the game? ... Click here for the rest of my FanRagSports.com story
Navy seniors made the cut
Tom Shanahan Sep 6 2016The Navy football program sent out a draft-like Twitter post with a composite photo coinciding with the 2016 NFL Draft in late April. It featured head shots of Navy’s seniors about to graduate with this headline:ALL 32 SENIORS WERE SELECTED IN THE FIRST ROUND TO THE...
Air Force safety brings the Steelehammer
Tom Shanahan Aug 17 2016Weston Steelhammer arrived at the Air Force Academy having wrestled with his tossing-and-turning choice between pursing a college football or baseball career.Air Force wanted the quarterback/safety from Shreveport (Louisiana) Calvary Baptist Academy to play football. The Academy...
Navy plugs in a new backfield
Tom Shanahan Jul 16 2016If Navy running backs were graded by NFL scouts, they would be judged as system players. It’s a back-handed compliment often handed out to “system” quarterbacks to devalue their draft stock.But in the Navy triple-option, it’s not necessarily criticism. The system is designed to...
Doctor Bonds contributes beyond football career
Tom Shanahan May 5 2016This time of year that rare Army, Navy or Air Force football player whose name is called in the NFL Draft brings unique attention to his program’s talent level. After all, it’s takes more than athletic skill to be drafted out of a service academy.There are hitches involved....
More to Navy recruiting than season record
Tom Shanahan May 4 2016Navy football finished its best season in 52 years with an 11-2 record and a No. 18 national ranking. Quarterback Keenan Reynolds finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy and was an NFL draft pick.Sounds like the Midshipmen set themselves up to cash in on a recruiting bonanza.Well,...
Service academies outperform recruiting rankings
Tom Shanahan Feb 3 2016Before we break down recruiting classes at Navy, Air Force and Army, some perspective is needed.It takes three to four years to judge a recruiting class at all schools, and it’s especially true with the overachievers that service academies attract.First of all, let’s note that...
Navy responds to Niumatalolo presence on sideline
Tom Shanahan Dec 28 2015Navy’s 44-28 win over Pitt was another NCAA record-setting day for quarterback Keenan Reynolds and a school record 11th victory this year, but there was a more significant takeaway from the Military Bowl presented by Northrup Grumann.That was Navy Coach Ken Niumatalolo’s presence...
Heisman Trophy trustees and voters blew it again
Tom Shanahan Dec 13 2015Open letter to Heisman Trophy trustees James Corcoran and Brian D. Obergfell:This letter is for both of you, but I hope you share it with fellow trustees.Your 929 voters for the Heisman Trophy blew it. Again. Alabama running back Derrick Henry won based on a disturbing...