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Reynolds can defer military service to play for Ravens

Former Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds will be taking orders in 2016, but it could be from the Ravens coaching staff instead of a commanding officer.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter announced Friday that Baltimore's sixth-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft may defer his military service to pursue his NFL dreams.

Carter made the statement in his graduation speech to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, less than 30 miles from M&T Bank Stadium, the home of the Ravens.

"It is a blessing to hear the news from Defense Secretary Carter today," Reynolds said in a statement.