The Rhode Island Rams are coming off of a 7-4 season. A season in which they started 5-0. Despite finishing 2-4 down the stretch, the Rams were in position for an at large playoff birth the final weekend of the regular season.

Now Jim Fleming and his staff must build off of last season while replacing several key seniors who were with the program for a long time.

Luckily for the Rams, Fleming and his staff have recruited well and they have used the transfer portal to fill some roster gaps. There should be plenty of co petition this spring as the Rams attempt to replace some long time standouts.

Here are five things to watch for as the Rams kick off spring practice.

1. Replacing familiar faces on defense: The Rams need to replace some familiar faces on defense this spring. Linebackers L.B Mack and Andre Brackett, defensive tackle Andre Bibeault and free safety Coby Tippett are gone.

Luckily for URI, Fleming and his staff have recruited well and they use the transfer portal to their advantage. The Rams should reload on defense. The front seven will need some work but the secondary should be a strength with safety Henry Yianakopolos and cornerback Jordan Jones returning.

2. Kasim Hill is the man now: Kasim Hill took control of the starting job after last season and never relinquished it. He was splitting reps with Brandon Robinson but Robinson has since transferred.

Now this is Hill’s team and the redshirt senior is poised for another big season after leading the Rams to a 7-4 season. This spring is crucial to his development if he wants to take the next step as a quarterback.

3. Replacing key veterans on offense: Offensive coordinator Pat Murphy and the offensive staff will use this spring to evaluate some of the younger skill guys in the program.

With the departure of tight end/fullback Joey Kenny, wide receiver Ivory Frimpong and running back Justice Antrum, the Rams have some key holes to fill. Luckily, they do return sophomore running backs Jaylen Smith and Kevin Brown, senior tight end Caleb Warren and redshirt senior wide receiver Paul Woods so there is talent on hand.

4. Replacing C.J Carrick: Kicker C.J Carrick was a weapon. He will not be easily replaced. Mansfield’s Michael DeBolt will attempt to fill his big shoes. DeBolt has a strong leg and he will have every opportunity to prove this spring that he can be the man for the Rams. Having a good spring will be key for DeBolt as they try to replace the school’s all time leading scorer.

5. Train to seal the deal: The Rams had a terrific season in 2021 but there were also a lot of missed opportunities. Fleming and his staff want to capitalize on last season and take the next step as a program. While it will be easy to replace some of veterans that have moved on, this team now knows how to win so continuing to instill confidence in them will be important this spring.