By Tony Catalina

NEFJ Correspondent

It was a cold and rainy day in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, but it didn’t stop what was a productive spring game for the Rams. Coach Jim Fleming and staff expect to have a good roster that can compete for a CAA crown this season, and Saturday provided glimpses of why they feel that way.

Here at seven observations from URI’s spring game:

1. The defense is ahead of the offense by a good margin right now. While the offense certainly had its moments, especially in the run game, the defense was flying around the football and was physical all afternoon. This looked like a unit that is playing with confidence, and provided consistent pass rush throughout the day.

2. There is definitely a quarterback competition, but Fleming seems pleased with both Devin Farrell and Hunter Helms. While it has not been decided, and some believe Helms is in the pole position as a senior transfer from Clemson, it was Farrell who started the game between the two. This will be a camp matchup that will get a ton of attention, and justifiably so. Both played well and are giving this staff a lot to think about.

3. The best player on the field Saturday was RB Jaden Griffin. The redshirt sophomore was electric every time he touched the ball and had over 100 yards in the first quarter alone, before capping off two touchdowns in the first half. This is a team that has liked to throw the football around in recent years, but the feeling around the team in 2024 is that the running game will be more of a focal point. With Griffin toting the rock, Rhody is in good hands.

4. WR Marquis Buchanan flashed. Dawning No. 1 rather than his old No. 14, Buchanan surely played like a number one receiver on Saturday. The big, physical wideout was a reliable target that seemed to make a big play every time the ball came his way. It was Buchanan’s touchdown in the back corner of the end zone that effectively ended the game as Fleming rallied his team at center field following a point after try, which ensued in the team erupting in cheer. Buchanan should be a big factor in 2024 for the Rams.

5. Left tackle Jacob Otts looked good, and was a leader on the field. Holding down the blind side is no easy task, especially in the CAA with a wide array of quality pass rushers, but the Rams should feel comfortable with Otts’ manning the spot. He looked athletic, showed good movement, and had a solid anchor in his pass sets. In addition he seemed to be the guy the team listened to when it was time to lock in, serving as quality leadership for the offensive unit that will look much different this season.

6. Attention to detail is evident. Coach Fleming and staff run a tight ship, but with a QB battle under way it’s clear that they’re expecting more from the rest of their program as they try and figure out what 2024 is going to look like. They are expecting more from their pass catchers, more of an emphasis the running game, and a defense that is expected to elevate their game as the Rams look to be real players this season.

7. The team is good and is expected to get more help from the transfer portal. Coach Fleming mentioned that he learned a lot about his team’s competitive spirit this spring and more of that will be tested as he alludes to more talent possibly coming by way of the portal. Just who and when remains to be seen, but this a good program that expects to compete in 2024, and the pursuit of talent to help is nonstop for Fleming and his staff.