URI Football Finishes Spring With Competitive Blue-White Game Saturday

University of Rhode Island Press Release

KINGSTON, R.I. – Rhode Island’s passing game shined, but the defense held on for a 30-24 victory in the annual Spring Blue-White game at Meade Stadium Saturday morning.

In the game format, the defense was spotted a 28-0 lead to start the game and had to hold the offense below 28 points.

Quarterback Devin Farrell was impressive in his return. After suffering a season-ending injury late in the season, the redshirt junior showed no signs of rust, completing 15-of-21 passing attempts for 178 yards and two touchown passes and no interceptions.

The chemistry between Farrell and top receiver Marquis Buchanan was apparent. Buchanan had five catches for 88 yards, including a 34-yard touchdown reception.

In the fourth quarter, the offense was driving for a potential go-ahead score. On third-and-goal from the 3-yard line, quarterback Conner Kenyon threw to wide receiver Rian Black in the end zone, but defensive back Chaas McCoy was able to break the play up, helping preserve the win for the defense.

Highlights

• The defense limited the offense to 3.3 yards per carry on 33 running plays.
• Linebacker Moses Meus and defensive lineman Case Mankins each had a sack.
• Mankins’ sack went for a safety, giving the defense two points.
• The defense had seven tackles for loss.
• Defensive back Ethan McCann-Carter had a game-high six tackles, while Meus and Rohan Davy had five apiece.
• Davy also had a pass break up.
• Defensive back Freddie Camp had a blocked field goal.
• Running back Antwain Littleton, Jr. had a game-high nine rushes for 42 yards and one touchdown. Fellow back Jaden Griffin ran seven times for 22 yards.
• Quarterback Connor Kenyon flashed in spots, going 8-for-19 for 124 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions.
• Wide receiver Greg Gaines III had six catches for 32 yards and one touchdown.
• Wide receiver Eddie Combs III caught four passes for 89 yards, displaying impressive speed in the open field.
• The offense did not turn the ball over.
• Punter Dylan Shank averaged 42.7 yards on three attempts, putting two of his boots inside the 20-yard line.
• Kicker Ty Groff made his lone field goal attempt, a 43-yard kick. He also was 1-for-1 on extra points.

Team Banquet Awards
Following the completion of the spring game, the 2024 CAA Football Champions celebrated their historic season with a team banquet. The following awards were presented to members of the program.

A.A Savastano Scholar-Athlete Award – Brady Roark
The A.A. Savastano Scholar-Athlete Award is presented annually to a member of the University of Rhode Island Football Team for his outstanding academic achievement. The award is named for Americo A. “Savy” Savastano and is presented in memory of his longtime commitment to student-athletes.

Bruce E. Murray Award – Gabe Salomons
The Bruce E. Murray Award is presented annually to a member of the University of Rhode Island Football Team for being the consummate team player. For over 20 years, Bruce E. Murray was a member and one-time president of the Fifth Quarter Club. Bruce was recognized for his unselfishness and dedication to URI Football.

Bob Griffin Award – Carson Primrose
The Bob Griffin Award is presented annually to a member of the University of Rhode Island Football Team who displays both high character and exemplary leadership skills. Bob Griffin is the winningest football coach in URI history and spent 17 seasons patrolling the sidelines in Kingston. His ability to motivate and lead enabled him to become the most successful coach in URI history.

Justin Henry Award – Cole Brockwell
The Justin Henry Award is presented annually to a member of the University of Rhode Island Football Team who has excelled both academically and athletically at the University of Rhode Island. Justin Henry played football and basketball at URI while majoring in Pharmacy. Justin made the most of each and every opportunity during his lifetime and was the epitome of a model student-athlete.

Iron Ram Award – Tommy Smith
The Iron Ram Award is presented annually to a member of the University of Rhode Island Football Team whose year round commitment to the weight room served to motivate all of his teammates.

Anchor Award – Devin Farrell
The Anchor Award is a symbol of steadfastness attached to an eleven link chain which represents the strength of a team. This award is presented annually to a rising senior member of the University of Rhode Island Football Team that through his consistent performance has shown the ability to “hold fast” during the trying, emotional and chaotic times that are inherent in the pursuit of victory.

Most Improved Defense Award – Case Mankins

Most Improved Offense Award – Tre Alexander

Offensive Player of the Year Award – Malik Grant/Marquis Buchanan

Defensive Player of the Year Award – Westley Neal, Jr.

Special Teams Player of the Year Award – Donato Crisanti