KINGSTON, R.I. - Rhode Island Football officially began reloading for the 2024 season, adding two true freshmen and eight transfers on Wednesday's early NLI Signing Day.

The early signing day focused on both sides of the ball, as the Rams added a trio of defensive backs and as many wide receivers go along with a linebacker, a defensive lineman, a running back and an offensive lineman. 

"Our staff was intent on finding young men of character that are committed to helping Rhode Island Football progress and this class exemplifies just that," Rhode Island head coach Jim Fleming said. "We searched across the country, pored over the transfer portal and sifted through countless high school tapes to identify these young men who have impressive abilities. There's no denying that our program took a step forward today and I am looking forward to having this group join us."
 
Gregory Gaines III
Wide Receiver
Tampa, Fla. | Iowa State
6-3 | 205
Three years of eligibility | Lead Recruiter: Mike Flanagan | Video
A four-star recruit coming out of Tampa Bay Tech, Gaines saw action at receiver and on special teams for Iowa State. A member of the Academic All-Big 12 Rookie Team and a Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll recipient, Gaines made nine appearances. He is the second Cyclone to transfer to Rhode Island, joining running back Deon Silas. At 6-3 and 205 pounds, he adds quality on the outside with sprinter speed. As a sophomore in high school, he ran 11.76 in the 100.     

Malik Grant
Running Back
Bronx, N.Y. | Sacred Heart
5-9 | 190
One year of eligibility | Lead Recruiter: Mike Flanagan | Video
An All-Northeast Conference selection for Sacred Heart, Grant will be a talented addition to the Rams' backfield. The Bronx, N.Y. native had a highly-decorated career with the Pioneers, highlighted by a Hero Sports FCS Third Team All-American selection in 2021. A finalist for the Walter Payton Award and team captain, he rushed for 3,310 yards in five seasons with SHU. He logged 27 rushing touchdowns to go along with four receiving. 
    
Shawn Harris, Jr.
Wide Receiver 
Mt. Vernon, N.Y. | UMass
5-9 | 170
One year of eligibility | Lead Recruiter: Mike Flanagan | Video
No stranger to CAA Football, Harris began his career at Stony Brook, where he recorded 67 receptions for 1,104 yards in four seasons. In his lone campaign with the Minutemen, he appeared on both offense and special teams, catching 16 passes for 152 yards while recording six kick returns for 100 yards. No stranger to success, Harris led his high school team, Archbishop Stepinac, to three NYCHSFL AAA Championship titles. 

Arsheen Jiles
Defensive Back
Montclair, N.J. | Sacred Heart
5-9 | 185
One year of eligibility | Lead Recruiter: Chris Lorenti | Video
A two-time All-NEC selection for the Pioneers, Jiles finished within the top five in the league in passes defended with seven pass breakups and one interception. He forced a team-best two fumbles in 2023 while recovering one against Merrimack. Jiles finished his senior season with 38 tackles and one sack and will add a veteran presence to the defensive back position.  

Aboraa Kwarteng
Wide Receiver
Alexandria, Va. | Sacred Heart
6-2 | 190
Two years of eligibility | Lead Recruiter: Mike Flanagan | Video
A Virginia native, Kwarteng saw his production steadily increase in two years at Sacred Heart and will look to continue the momentum in Kingston. After a true freshman season that saw him record 117 receiving yards on 10 catches, he increased his numbers as a sophomore by more than double, with 43 receptions for 472 yards. His lone career touchdown came in a game against Central Connecticut, when he secured a 17-yard strike that proved to be the game-winner in the fourth quarter.

Chaas McCoy 
Defensive Back
Jersey City, N.J. | West Orange HS
5-11 | 180
Freshman | Lead Recruiter: Henry Yianakopolos | Video
A three-year varsity starter for West Orange High School, McCoy brings speed to the cornerback position for Rhode Island with a 4.49 40-yard dash. The New Jersey native offers strength as well, able to bench press 245 pounds. As a senior, he earned First Team All Conference honors after posting 40 tackles and a pair of TFLs, helping West Orange finish at the top of the Freedom Red divisional standings.

Damon McMillian, Jr.
Offensive Lineman
Tampa, Fla. | Armwood HS
6-3 | 335
Freshman | Lead Recruiter: Mike Flanagan | Video
McMillian brings great size to the Rams' trenches, coming in at 6-3 and 335 pounds. A First Team All-Conference honoree for Armwood High School, McMillian has athleticism to match his physicality. His days as a wrestler will offer him strong balance and he also had the coordination to play baseball. McMillian played on both sides of the ball for the Hawks, and lined up in the backfield as a fullback. 

Sam Ofurie
Linebacker
Salem, Mass. | Garden City Community College
6-2 | 230
Two years of eligibility | Lead Recruiter: Chris Lorenti | Video
A New England native, Ofurie spent his freshman fall at fellow conference team North Carolina A&T before transferring to Garden City Community College. The team's second-leading tackler in 2023, Ofurie recorded 49 stops with 1.5 sacks and a fumble recovery. With 7.5 total TFLs, he highlighted his ability to get to the ball quickly. In high school, Ofurie played a key role in IMG Academy's first-ever national championship under head coach Bob Acosta.

Carson Primrose
Defensive Lineman
Pittsburgh, Pa. | Sacred Heart
6-1 | 280
One year of eligibility | Lead Recruiter: Marcell Lazard | Video
Primrose was a two-time All-NEC selection for the Pioneers, capturing Second Team honors in each of the last two seasons. He appeared in all 12 of the team's games in 2023, anchoring a defensive line that helped the team finish second in the league in scoring defense (24.7 points per game). As a senior, he recorded 45 tackles, two sacks, and 5.5 TFLs. 

2024 RHODY FOOTBALL SEASON TICKET DEPOSITS ON SALE NOW!
New URI Football season ticket holders can place their deposits today to ensure the best seats available at Meade Stadium for the upcoming season. MAKE YOUR DEPOSIT TODAY or call 401-874-RAMS to speak with an account representative. 

Note: Renewal information will be available soon for 2023 season ticket holders, who do not need to place a deposit at this time.