By Charlie Adams
NEFJ Correspondent
KINGSTON – No. 9 Rhode Island finished training camp with the attention to detail of a team ready to repeat as Coastal Athletic Association champions.
URI’s mock game left no stone unturned. Without a ball being thrown or pads being worn, the Rams went through nearly all facets of a football game, both on and off the field. Practice wrapped with the team singing the school fight song to an empty bleachers before leaving the field as a team.
“It’s important for the fans,” coach Jim Fleming said. “If we play a game, win or lose, we’re going to show appreciation to the band who comes out here and practices and do a great job for us, and our fans who stay around and welcome us and thank us, we’re happy to give it a little bit back.”
Meade Stadium will be full on Friday, as Rhody opens its season against Campbell. The Rams defeated the Camels 21-9 in last year’s matchup, beginning a streak of seven straight wins.
Looking for a similar result this season, here are some of the things to get excited about:
Marquis Buchanan will be busy – Rhode Island has promoted Mike Flanagan to offensive coordinator in his 11th season with the Rams. It was clear in practice that the preseason All-American receiver would be attracting plenty of attention from the defense.
“We’ve got a very good package put together,” Fleming said. “It’s [Flanagan’s] first opportunity to get out there and call it and paint his picture. I’m really excited to see what he can do with this opportunity, and I’m expecting great things.”
In April’s spring game, Buchanan lined up in the backfield to score a touchdown. The mock game often had him in motion, and defenses will have to keep an eye on him at all times.
Everyone has bought in – Team culture can make-or-break a team’s success, and one of the clearest signs that there is a strong culture in Kingston was A.J. Pena’s return. After initially transferring to Memphis following an All-American season, the linebacker came back to the Rams in the spring.
“This game of college football is about relationships,” Fleming said. “To know that there is a community here that is supportive of these kids in everything they go through, not just football, but off the field with family stuff, we’re here for them all.”
Offensive personnel changes clicking – Alongside Flanagan, Tyler Loftus was promoted as the quarterbacks coach in his second year since returning to the Rams. Loftus was a QB at Wagner College until 2018 before first joining URI in 2021.
“Coach Loftus played the sport, he played the position, so he understands what we see out there and what we feel,” Farrell said. “He and Flan just gel together and create this offense; it’s just beautiful.”
Defense is bringing the energy – One of the Rams’ biggest question marks following last season was how the defense would reload after losing key pieces like Wesley Neal Jr. and Devin Hightower. The energy and excitement across the program on the defensive side should ease any concern; expect new names to quickly emerge as staples on the defense.
“The detail that they have is just superb,” quarterback Devin Farrell said. “We’re excited to see them do their thing this year.”
Leading by example – URI announced its four captains today, doubling its total from last year. On offense, Farrell will be joined by receiver Greg Gaines III as captains. On defense, Pena will be joined by defensive lineman Case Mankins.
Farrell and Pena shared All-CAA seasons last year, while Gaines and Mankins have also been key contributors, expecting to take another step this season.
“Last season was big for us, and we’re just excited to play against a team and not just against ourselves,” Farrell said. “We have a lot of big expectations for ourselves, and we hope to reach all goals.”
