URI Football Picked Sixth in Preseason CAA Poll
Rhode Island seniors Joey Kenny and Ivory Frimpong were named to the 2021 CAA Football Preseason All-Conference Team, which was announced by the league Tuesday morning.
Kenny was named as the all-conference fullback, which was expected after he was a first team all-conference selection at fullback following the abbreviated 2021 spring season.
Entering his sixth season with the Rams, Kenny already has played in 40 career games at the collegiate level. The Wayne, N.J. native played in the first 37 possible games of his career before an injury cut short his 2019 campaign. After getting a medical redshirt, he returned to play in all three games last spring and his fully healthy heading into 2021. Along with his prowess as a lead blocker, he has been given the rock in short-yardage situations and has 16 career receptions to his credit.
Frimpong, a second team all-conference selection after the spring season, earned honorable mention for the preseason team. The preseason squad only includes first team and honorable mention selections.
A native of Centreville, Va., Frimpong emerged as Rhody’s top target on the outside in the spring. He led the Rams 14 catches for 186 and one touchdown in three games. His 4.7 receptions per game ranked fourth best in CAA Football, while his 62.0 receiving yards per game were fifth best in the league.
As a team, Rhode Island was picked to finish sixth in the preseason coaches’ poll. James Madison edged Delaware for first place in the poll, followed by Villanova, Richmond and New Hampshire.
Rhode Island opens the 2021 season with a home game against in-state rival Bryant on Sept. 4. The game will be played under the Meade Stadium lights, with a 6 p.m. kickoff.
2021 CAA Football Preseason Poll
(first-place votes)
1. James Madison (15) – 231
2. Delaware (7) – 222
3. Villanova – 194
4. Richmond (2) – 169
5. New Hampshire – 135
6. Rhode Island – 121
7. Towson – 115
8. UAlbany – 114
9. Maine – 99
10. Stony Brook – 73
11. William & Mary – 61
12. Elon – 50
