URI Plays Annual Spring Football Game Saturday

April 29, 2017 8:51 pm

University of Rhode Island Press Release

KINGSTON, R.I. – The defense intercepted three passes – including one that was returned for a touchdown – en route to a 75-53 victory over the offense in the annual Blue-White Game to close out Spring Camp Saturday.

The day began with a promising start for the offense, as Jordan Vazzano led a 16-play, 65-yard touchdown drive on the opening drive. On the first play from scrimmage, Harold Cooper ran the for 17 yards, getting a significant surge from the offensive linemen who helped push the pile along. The offense converted four third-down attempts on the drive, including a third-and-11 on a 17-yard pass from Vazzano to Marven Beauvais that set up a first-and-goal at the 4-yard line. Three plays Vazzano kept the ball on a play fake, going around the right end for a 1-yard touchdown run.

From there, the defense dominated for an extended stretch. After a three-and-out on the second possession, the third offensive series ended when sophomore defensive back Myles Ross made a diving interception.

In the second quarter, Vito Priore got the offense into the red zone following a 10-yard pass to Khayri Denny and a 15-yard pass interference drawn by Marven Beauvais. However, a Priore pass to the corner of the end zone was intercepted by cornerback Hayden Pryor, thwarting the scoring chance.

The defense effectively put the game away in the third quarter when defensive back A.J. Baxter picked off Vazzano and returned it 67 yards for the touchdown.

SPRING HONORS
At halftime of the game, head coach Jim Fleming honored six players for their work throughout camp. Redshirt junior wide receiver Marven Beauvais and senior running back Harold Cooper were named the team’s Most Improved Players for the offense, while sophomore defensive back Myles Ross and sophomore defensive tackle Brandon Ginnetti were named as the Most Improved Players on defense. Redshirt sophomore Anthony Garro was the Most Improved Player for special teams. Redshirt senior defensive tackle Mike Ezirike received the Iron Ram Award for his work in the weight room.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Offense

Junior wide receiver Khayri Denny led the receivers with nine receptions for 81 yards, while freshman Jarrell De Los Santos had five catches for 74 yards.
Senior running back Harold Cooper rushed the ball 10 times for 49 yards, averaging 4.9 yards per attempt.
Sophomore running back Prince Asiedu-Johnson caught a 10-yard touchdown pass during the 7-on-7 portion of the scrimmage.
Redshirt freshman Ja’Quan Buffaloe caught two passes for 50 yards, including a 33-yard catch and run during the 7-on-7 part of the day.
Redshirt sophomore Jordan Vazzano was 14-of-39 for 118 yards and one interception. He also rushed for one score.
Redshirt freshman Vito Priore was 11-of-23 for 193 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Much of his yardage came during the 7-on-7 portion, when he was 4-of-5 for 71 yards and a score.

Defense

Sophomore defensive tackle Brandon Ginnetti had five tackles, including two stops for a loss and one sack.
Redshirt senior linebacker QuVaughn Jones led the team with seven stops, while senior Ezra Holmes added six tackles. Holmes also broke up one pass.
Redshirt senior Hayden Pryor – a native of Hope Valley, R.I. – had a strong game. He had three tackles, including one for a loss, two pass break ups and one interception.
Sophomore Myles Ross continued his strong camp by recording four tackles and one interception.
Fellow sophomore A.J. Baxter had three tackles plus his 67-yard interception return on which he outran the offense down the right sideline for the score.
Senior defensive tackle Geoff Horwitz had 1.5 sacks. Also recording sacks were Ginnetti, William Mack III, Tyrone Barge and Monte Sinisi.

What’s Next

The 2017 season. Rhode Island opens at Central Michigan on Thursday, Aug. 31.