Former NFL coach Dan Reeves said he believes Navy quarterback Ricky Dobbs can make a successful transition to pro football.

Dobbs faces more hurdles than any other player in the 86th East-West Shrine Game on Saturday at Orlando's Citrus Bowl. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m,. and NFL Network will televise the contest.

While the rest of the players in the game will head to pre-NFL draft training programs, Dobbs will return to school to complete his degree. He will then begin a two-year service obligation before he is eligible to pursue an NFL career.

Dobbs wouldn't be the first Midshipmen quarterback to serve his country and later make it to the NFL; Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Staubach served four years in the Navy before he started his NFL career at age 27.

"I think he can do it," Reeves, who is coaching the East Team quarterbacks, said of Dobbs. "A lot depends on him. If this is something that is a desire for him, with his attitude and effort, I certainly wouldn't count him out.

"He's one of those guys you love to be around. He's got that charisma about him. You can tell he's got that mobile background, but he picks things up really well, and he throws the ball really well."

Dobbs said he is thrilled to be playing in the game and isn't worried about his military obligation.

"It's a blessing to be around so many players I have seen on TV and admire," he said.

It has been an interesting week for the players participating in the all-star game as they have quickly formed friendships with one another while going through a weeklong interview for their dream job.

Thanks to a roster quirk, Maryland running back Da'Rel Scott will be playing for the West Team. He'll end his final year of college football the way he began it: facing off against Dobbs.

Scott's Terps beat Dobbs' Midshipmen, 17-14, on Sept. 6 at M&T Bank Stadium.

Although Dobbs limped away with a loss and sprained ankle that hampered his senior season, he said it's all water under the bridge.

"We'll compete out there, but it's been so much fun to trade stickers with the other players and get to know everyone out here," Dobbs said, pointing out stickers on his practice helmet from players representing Auburn, Oregon, Tennessee and a long list of other schools. "I'm not giving my helmet back to the school now. It's special."

Both Dobbs and Scott are trying to make a positive impression on NFL scouts, but Dobbs has to find away to make sure he remains memorable for two years.

After he graduates from the Naval Academy in May, Dobbs will have one month off before coaching the academy's prep school football team in Rhode Island for five months. He is looking forward to Feb. 3, when he gets to select the ship on which he will serve for 18 months.

Dobbs said he would love to pursue an NFL career, but he doesn't feel any negative pressure to try to keep himself in football shape for the next two years.

"It's motivating," he said. "I want to be ready for every opportunity."