KINGSTON, R.I. – Eight Division I transfers have been added to the 2022 Rhode Island football roster with immediate eligibility for the Rams. The group includes two fifth-year seniors, three redshirt juniors, two redshirt sophomores and one redshirt freshman. The group adds significant veteran experience to a roster that already has been ranked as high as No. 14 in national preseason polls.

The two fifth-year seniors are defensive linemen Jalen Brown (Saint Francis) and running back Marques DeShields (Saint Francis). Also among the newcomers are redshirt juniors Darius Savedge (wide receiver, Old Dominion), John Vardzel (wide receiver, Pitt) and Michael Scibelli (offensive line, Miami); redshirt sophomores Randy Jordan (defensive back, Fresno State) and Sean Pelkisson (linebacker, Georgia Southern); and redshirt freshman tight end Kevin Schaeffer (Rutgers).

The group joins two more Division I transfers – wide receivers DeJuan Ellis (Maryland) and Kahtero Summers (Saint Francis) – who had previously committed to the program. Ellis and Summers were announced as part of the team's Signing Day release in February.

"Our coaching staff has worked tirelessly to add proven Division I talent to what is already a high-end CAA Football roster," Rhode Island head coach Jim Fleming said. "We have high expectations for the 2022 season. Along with the returning roster, the men who have made the commitment to URI football all all have the ability to elevate the program even further."

Jalen Brown
5th Year | Defensive Line        
6-0 | 285
Clinton, Md. | DeMatha Catholic (Saint Francis)
Primary Recruiter – Umberto Di Meo
One of the top defensive linemen in the NEC, Brown offers significant experience to the interior line. The 2019 NEC Defensive Rookie of the Year, he has played 32 career games, recording 47 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and an interception. Stout against the run, he helped Saint Francis ranked in the top 20 nationally in 2019, allowing just 119 rushing yards per game.

Marques DeShields
5th Year | Running Back           
5-9 | 200
Clementon, N.J. | Overbrook (Saint Francis)
Primary Recruiter – Mike Flanagan
A First Team All-NEC selection in 2021, DeShields also comes to Rhode Island via Saint Francis. Last fall, he led the Red Flash with 767 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground to go along with 20 receptions for 228 yards and two touchdowns in the air. A versatile backfield player with big-play ability, he had a 98-yard touchdown run against Bryant last fall. Along with 2020 CAA Football Rookie of the Year Kevin Brown, Jr. and Jaylen Brown – who had 1,092 all-purpose yards last season – DeShields adds to what is a dangerous and explosive offensive backfield.

Randy Jordan
R-SO | Defensive Back                
5-9 | 170
Tulare, Calif. / Tulare Union (Fresno State)
Primary Recruiter – Chris Satoh
A speedy cornerback, Jordan played in 14 games over three seasons with Fresno State, recording 29 tackles and four pass break-ups. A two-time Academic All-Conference honoree, he started three of the eight games he played as a true freshman, getting the nod against San Diego State, Nevada and San Jose State. Jordan also has the ability to help as a return man on special teams. In high school, he recorded a time of 10.96 in the 100-meter dash while at Tulane Union. 

Sean Pelkisson
R-SO | Linebacker
6-3 | 240
Downington, Pa. | Downington West (Ga. Southern)
Primary Recruiter – Patrick Murphy
A physical presence along the line for his two seasons at Georgia Southern, Pelkisson looks to switch sides of the ball in Kingston. He comes in with three seasons of eligibility despite already playing 20 for the Eagles, including the 2020 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. Last spring, Pelkisson was identified as one of the players who had made the biggest jumps for the Eagles during spring camp.

Darius Savedge
R-JR | Wide Receiver
6-3 | 212
Surry County, Va. | Smithfield (Old Dominion)
Primary Recruiter – Mike Flanagan
A big target on the outside, Savedge averaged 14.5 yards per reception over his three seasons at Old Dominion. The 6-3, 212-point receiver has two seasons of eligibility after appearing in 24 games for the Monarchs. A Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll recipient, Savedge had 18 catches for 262 yards and one touchdown for ODU, including a 63-yard touchdown grab against FIU, the team's longest play from scrimmage last season.

Kevin Schaeffer
R-FR | Tight End
6-5 | 245
Hewitt, N.J. / West Milford (Rutgers)
Primary Recruiter – Brendan Patterson
Schaeffer has four seasons of eligibility after two years with Rutgers. Though he has yet to make an on-field appearance at the collegiate level, he earned Academic All-Big 10 honors for the Scarlet Knights. A versatile athlete, he played tight end, offensive line, linebacker and quarterback in his prep years at West Milford. Schaeffer is the latest Rutgers transfer to come to Kingston, joining wide receiver Paul Woods, defensive lineman Malachi Burby, defensive lineman Matt Thomas and long snapper Donato Crisanti, all of whom have made on-field impacts for the Rams.

Michael Scibelli
R-JR | OL
6-2 | 305
Oceanside, N.Y. / Oceanside (Miami)
Primary Recruiter – Chris Lorenti
A former walk-on at Miami, Scibelli was one of five Hurricanes featured in a viral video in 2020 with head coach Manny Diaz surprised the players by putting them on scholarship due to their work ethic. A scout team member for the Hurricanes, he made an appearance against UAB in the 2020 season opener and brings two seasons of eligiblity. In high school, Scibelli was the Nassau County Lineman of the Year as a senior at Oceanside (N.Y.).

John Vardzel
R-JR | Wide Receiver                   
5-10 | 190
Charleston, S.C. / North Allegheny (Pitt)
Primary Recruiter – Mike Flanagan
After initially making the Pitt roster as a walk-on in 2018, Vardzel carved out a role on special teams and offense, appearing in 35 games over the last three years. After holding walk-on status for his first two seasons at Pitt, Vardzel was put on scholarship by head coach Pat Narduzzi in 2020. In 2021, he played in all 14 games, including the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl. With two seasons of eligibility, Vardzel has five career receptions and has served as both a punt returner and special teams cover man at the collegiate level.