URI Football Moves Up To #15/16 In National Polls, Mallay Named CAA Co-Defensive Player of the Week

University of Rhode Island Press Releases

KINGSTON, R.I. – Rhode Island Football continues to rise in the national rankings, coming in at No. 15/16 in the Stats Perform and AFCA Top 25 polls that were released on Monday morning.

The Rams jumped up one spot in each organization’s rankings following a 26-9 victory at then-No. 19/24 New Hampshire on Saturday. The win was URI’s first in Durham since 1995 and fueled by a stout defensive performance, as the team held UNH without a touchdown until the final minute of play.

Rhody is tied with Richmond at the top of the CAA Football standings with a 3-0 record in league play (6-1 overall).

As a conference, CAA Football placed four teams into the Stats Perform Top 25 as the Rams were joined by Villanova (No. 13), William & Mary (No. 16) and Richmond (No. 18). Stony Brook (69), Monmouth (30), New Hampshire (12) and Maine (2) received votes.

The AFCA tabbed Richmond 13th, Villanova 14th, William & Mary 15th and Stony Brook 24th while awarding votes to UNH (22) and Monmouth (15).

Rhode Island will host Maine in its homecoming game on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 1 p.m.

KINGSTON, R.I. – Rhode Island Football’s Fredrick Mallay garnered Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors from CAA Football on Monday morning.

The award comes on the heels of URI’s (6-1, 3-0 CAA Football) historic victory at UNH on Saturday afternoon. The Rams knocked off then-No. 19/24 New Hampshire 26-9 for the team’s first win in Durham since 1995.

Mallay recorded eight tackles, a TFL, a forced fumble and an interception for a defensive unit that held the Wildcats to 235 yards of offense and just a field goal until the final minute of the game.

His third-quarter interception set up a Rhody possession that ended in a field goal, putting the Rams ahead to stay.

He is the fourth Ram to receive a weekly award from CAA Football this season, joining quarterback Devin Farrell (Offensive Player of the Week – Sept. 2), linebacker A.J. Pena (Defensive Player of the Week – Sept. 16) and linebacker Gabe Salomons (Special Teams Player of the Week – Oct. 14).

Rhody will be back in action for its homecoming game against Maine on Saturday, Oct. 26. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. on FloSports.

CAA Football Weekly Awards
Offensive Player of the Week: Tyler Knoop, Gr., QB, Stony Brook
Co-Defensive Player of the Week: Xavier Holmes, Jr., DL, Maine
Co-Defensive Player of the Week: Fredrick Mallay, Sr., DB, Rhode Island
Special Teams Player of the Week: Chandler Brayboy, Sr., KR/WR, Elon
Rookie of the Week: T.J. Thomas, Fr., RB, Elon