KINGSTON, R.I. – The best football teams are generally built from the inside out, and the foundation of Rhode Island's offense is its offensive line. It is a unit that is as talented as it is experienced, a well-oiled crew whose protection has paved the way for a dangerous, versatile offense.
Rhody had the same five starters for all 11 games in 2021, and four of those men return this season. Leading the way is center
Sebastian Delasoudas (Ft. Lee, N.J.). A team captain for each of the last two years, Delasoudas has started 17 of the 26 games he has suited up for the Rams, providing an anchor presence in the middle of the line.
Next to his right is one of the best guards at the FCS level,
Nick Correia. The Nantucket, Mass. native was a CAA Football Second Team All-Conference selection in 2021 and will be an All-America candidate this fall. With 26 consecutive starts, Correia has the longest active streak on the team. When the Rams run between the tackles, expect Correia to be clearing the path.
Left tackle
Lorenzo Thompson (Syracuse, N.Y.) has been a fixture in the starting lineup since he made his first career start against James Madison in the 2019 season finale. His 6-7 frame gives him a tremendous wingspan that makes life miserable for edge rushers. With 15 consecutive starts and 27 total games played, the URI quarterbacks can play knowing their blind side is in good hands.
On the other side of the line is right tackle
Ajani Cornelius (New York City, N.Y.), who started every game last season as a freshman. At no point in 2021 did Cornelius look like a freshman, as the combination of Correia and Cornelius to the right of Delasoudas was as good as any line in CAA Football.
All four returning starters are potential all-conference performers, and they all still have at least two seasons of eligibility remaining. The nucleus of the line is as strong as there is in FCS football.
Even with the talent among the projected starters, the Rams have been able to get experience for several others. Jordan Rienduau (Narragansett, R.I.) has played in 10 games over the last three seasons, making multiple starts at right tackle. When called upon, he has been ready.
Redshirt freshman
Adam McKanna (Summerville, S.C.) is a strong candidate for the one clear opening on the line at left guard. With the departure of 2021 CAA Football Third Team All-Conference honoree
Evan Lovell (transfer to Texas State), McKanna worked with the first group during Spring camp. He also has worked at center at times and is a key interior lineman to keep an eye on.
Jacob Otts (St. John's, Fla.) saw time in four games as a reserve as a true freshman before an injury limited him for the remainder of the season. At 6-7, he is another lineman with a long wingspan who figures to see the field on offense and special teams this season. He preserved a redshirt and still had four seasons of eligibility.
Redshirt freshman
Kai Rose (Martha's Vineyard, Mass.) was part of the travel squad last season and worked his way to the backup center role. Like McKanna and Otts, he got his feet wet, appearining in two games while preserving a redshirt.
A trio of local products have multiple years in the program and have seen the field as reserves.
Montaner Fresilli (South Kingstown),
Omar Reyes (Cranston, R.I.) and
Richard King (Cranston, R.I.) will compete for roles along the line in camp.
Miami transfer
Michael Scibelli (Oceanside, N.Y.) comes to Kingston with two seasons of elibility after spending three years with the Hurricanes' scout team. He is likely to compete at guard. Scibelli initially made Miami's roster as a walk-on before being elevated to a scholarship player.
The Rams also have three true freshmen joining the program.
Tre Alexander (Tampa, Fla.),
Nick Lombardo (Hope, R.I.) and
Asa Neal (Rahway, N.J.) round out the offensive line depth. Alexander was highly sought after, receiving more than 20 Division I offers from the likes of Army, Navy, Marshall, N.C. State, Toledo, Virginia Tech, Akron, Austin Peay and others.
Check back Friday for a look at the 2022 Quarterbacks.
