Former Nansemond-Suffolk Academy standout Cole Christiansen is on the Reese’s Senior Bowl game watchlist.

The Senior Bowl, held in Mobile, Alabama in January, provides a showcase for some of the top seniors in college football to showcase themselves before NFL coaches.

Invitations are given out for the postseason game later in the year, and Christiansen is on the list of top seniors who could receive an invite.

Christiansen is in a unique situation at Army, as he can enter the NFL draft and get selected, but due to his military duties, may not be able to play right away. He has made it clear he would welcome an opportunity to play in the NFL, but if it interfered with his duties to serve the country, he would be fine serving out his obligation.

“As far as playing at the next level if that opportunity arises, I would love to play pro,” he said. “But if it conflicts with my obligation to serve the United States, I will gladly decline playing football again in order to serve.”

During that week leading up to the game, practices are held and televised. It gives NFL executives, coaches and scouts to evaluate the top seniors in the country before the NFL Draft.

The college football season is currently in its second week, and Christiansen recently helped Army pick up its first win of the season against Rice. During that game, Christiansen led Army with seven tackles. Army, which received votes in the latest Associated Press poll but did not crack the top 25, will have one of their toughest tests of the year when the Cadets take on AP No. 7 Michigan Saturday.

At Army, Christiansen is not only a starting linebacker but is also a two-time team captain. He helped Army last year to its best season in program history, as the Cadets went 11-2. Last year he was also an All-Independent team linebacker.

During his time at NSA, Christiansen helped the Saints win a state title in 2015. He is a two-time Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Division III Defensive Player of the Year and is also a two-time Conference Player of the Year.