By Gabe Sloat
GoRhody.com Media Assistant

KINGSTON, R.I. - Every school has an inspiring walk-on story. A player that went unnoticed out of high school who is given one chance at the next level, and they shock the world. 

A shock is about to hit Kingston, Rhode Island, and his name is Rocco Cillino.

After growing up in Westerly, R.I., Cillino showed out for his high school team. The collegiate offers, however, did not come with his success. He eventually found his way onto the URI football team. His journey has been an interesting one. 

After arriving on campus in the Fall of 2020, Cillino was just your everyday student. Although in contact with coaches, he was not able to join the team immediately. The COVID-19 pandemic altered both the season and the roster, and an opportunity arose. 

"I ended up landing a spot on the team through Coach (Mike) Flanagan," Cillino said. "We spoke a few times on the phone and he invited me to join the team in the spring of 2021."

Just like that, he was a running back on a Division 1 college football team. That can be a daunting realization for some. Cillino was no exception to that. 

"It was definitely intimidating at first, coming into a spot as a smaller kid with a bunch of kids I didn't know," he explained, "but the team definitely opened up to me quickly." 

From then on, the jitters were out, and he put his head down to earn his respect.

He entered that spring dead last on the depth chart. His reps in practice were limited to the scout team, which is a group of backup players that mimic the opponent so the starters can practice against them. The role is not glamorous and can make many players question why they play. Scout team players go through all of the work with none of the game day reward. 

"It wasn't easy, but I kind of used that idea as a chip on my shoulder to help get me through," Cillino said. 

It was not long until he was making a name for himself in that role. Cillino began winning Scout Team Player of the Week seemingly each and every week that spring and subsequent fall season. That honor earned him a spot on the travel team, a privilege that not many walk-ons ever achieve. He had made the most out of the hand he was dealt, but he
did not become complacent with that achievement.

Entering this spring, the coaching staff gave Rocco a bigger role in practice. He responded better than anyone anticipated. After consistently performing well in each practice, he was awarded the Most Improved Offensive Player for Spring camp. 

While appreciative, he knows that is not the end of his journey.

"It's always good to see your hard work pay off," he explained, "but I like to look at it as just another check along the way, always looking forward to a new goal."

With the next goal on his mind, he finds motivation in where he's come from. 

"It means so much to be making an impact on my home state's football team," he acknowledged. 

High school football in Rhode Island does not get much recognition, and the spot Cillino is in is just a dream
for many players. 

"I remember coming to the Ryan Center as a kid and just imagining playing on the field," he recalled. "It's a product of a lot of hard work paying off."

With the continued dedication to his craft, the possibilities are endless for Cillino. From a hometown kid making a name for himself within the team, it is only a matter of time before he is making a name for himself around Kingston.