KINGSTON, R.I- It was a beautiful spring morning in Kingston but if you were at the Rhode Island spring practice, you would have thought it was mid-August.

It was only the fourth practice of the spring and only the second day in pads but it felt like a highly competitive fall camp practice. Coaches and players were flying around and there was some choice language being thrown around.

It was great to see that type of intensity in a spring practice. Here five observations from our visit.

1. Intensity was ratcheted up: For only the fourth practice of the spring, Saturday’s practice felt like a practice in the middle of fall camp. The coaches were amped up and the competition was on at every position as Jim Fleming and his staff try to fill some key spots in the line up. Several high profile recruits were on hand and they got a first hand look at how this program rolls.

2. Defense ahead of the offense: The defense looked ahead of the offense and that is to be expected this early in the spring. Offense usually takes more time to come along. This is true during fall camp as well. The defense was flying around during team portions. Teach periods and individual periods were both periods where defensive coordinator Chris Lorenti and his staff got on the guys and reinforced attention to detail.

3. Rams front seven is as good as we think: The front seven has a chance to be very good with Case Mankins, Rohan Davey and Moses Meus all returning. They will wreck shop in the CAA and I expect them to co time to get better this spring. Add safety Andre Depina-Gray who plays around the box a lot and this defense has four players it can build around.

1. Running back will once again be a strength: Rams Coach Jim Fleming called running back Terrance Campbell a “Moose” and rightfully so. The former LaSalle standout is a big back. He will push the pile in short yardage and goal line situations. Rutgers transfer Gabe Winowich really impressed me. He looks like an all purpose back who can do a myriad of things within the scheme. Stanford transfer Brandon Barrow has already caught the attention of the coaching staff. They like his ability to be a change of pace back. The Rams have always run the ball well and this season should be no different.

2. Receiver depth impressive once again: The receiver depth is impressive. Headlined by one of the best receivers in the country in Marquise Buchanan, the Rams also return Jamall Mensah, Aboraa Kwarteng and several other intriguing options including Coastal Carolina transfer Rian Black and Grand Valley State transfer Sean Bryd. Replacing productive receivers like Greg Gaines and Omari Walker will not be easy but the Rams have plenty of depth.