KINGSTON, R.I. - Perhaps the biggest area of change for Rhode Island in 2023 will come in the secondary, where the team will have new starters at every spot this fall.
A year ago, cornerbacks Jordan Jones and Antonio Carter II and safeties Henry Yianakopolos, Oneil "Buzz" Robinson and Malik Gavek all started every game for Rhode Island. Jones is now with the Los Angeles Rams, while Carter transferred to Notre Dame in the offseason. Yianakopolos recently joined the URI coaching staff after a brief stint in the CFL, while Robinson and Gavek graduated after highly productive careers in Kingston. Also gone are cornerback Arthur White and safety A.J. Rogers (graduation).
Despite the heavy losses, Rhode Island has a handful of veterans ready to step into more prominent roles in the secondary.
Graduate student Jordan Colbert (Clinton, Md.) is in his second season in the program after transferring from Columbia, where he was an honorable mention All-Ivy selection in 2021. Last year he played in every game on defense and special teams and made his presence felt, recording 39 tackles and two forced fumbles. He had the most tackles among the defensive reserves and often played starter snaps without technically starting each game. With 31 career collegiate games under his belt, look for Colbert to assume a leadership position from his safety position.
Brent Jackson (Denton, Texas) gives Rhody a second key transfer at safety. A Second Team All-Patriot League pick for Bucknell last season, Jackson has recorded 214 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, four interceptions and 12 pass break-ups in 35 career games. Similar to Colbert, his experience and productivity gives the Rams a mature presence in back.
Redshirt junior Emmanuel Gomes (Woonsocket, R.I.) was the main backup to Yianakopolos last year. Both men played a hybrid safety/linebacker role for the defense. Gomes played in 10 games last season and recorded 16 tackles, one tackle for loss and one interception. His role has grown each year since he joined the program as a walk-on. He should have a role both in the regular defense and in the kicking game.
Redshirt sophomore transfer Quentin Hunter-Colvin (Apex, N.C.) and redshirt junior Seun Filaoye (Providence, R.I.) give the Rams two more veterans at safety. Hunter-Colvin is a junior college transfer from Monroe College, where he had 28 tackles, three interceptions and four passes defended in just eight games last season. Filaoye has played in 18 games over the last two seasons on defense and special teams. He has been one of the team's key kick coverage players, and he has stepped into the defensive rotations at times as well.
At the cornerback, the Rams return three players who are likely to get first cracks at the starting spots. Junior Fredrick Mallay (Providence, R.I.) has appeared in 20 games in his first two years with the team, often as the nickel back. Also a key performer in kick coverage, Mallay is a speedster who provides coverage on the outside and in the slot.
Redshirt junior Randy Jordan (Tulare, Calif.) was one of CAA Football's top kick returners in the first half of last season before an injury caused him to miss time. Like Mallay, he saw significant snaps in nickel and dime situations, and with 22 career games between Rhode Island and Fresno State to his credit, he is an experienced asset on the corner.
One player to keep a close eye on redshirt freshman Syeed Gibbs (Everett, Mass.). With URI's depth and experience a year ago, Gibbs was able to maintain a redshirt while still appearing in four games in 2022. Throughout the season, he consistently opened eyes in practices and is someone with high-impact potential this season.
Local products Malik Hill (North Providence, R.I.) and Andre DePina-Gray (Pawtucket, R.I.) are players who could certainly carve out roles either on special teams or defense. Both have been key scout team players who will get looks in camp.
Rhode Island recruited the secondary hard this year, bringing in five true freshmen who will fight for immediate playing time. Ethan McCann-Carter (Pawtucket, R.I.) played alongside DePina-Gray and fellow true freshman Moses Meus (Pawtucket, R.I.), a linebacker, at St. Raphael Academy. McCann-Carter was ranked 13th in the nation in the long jump as a senior in high school, and he and Meus won a state title in football together in 2022.
Camp (New Hartford, Conn.), Cureton (Wake Forest, N.C.) and Spencer (Miami, Fla.) all signed with Rhode Island in February. Camp led all Connecticut players with 30 touchdowns scored as a two-way star for Gilbert-Northwest Regional, which included three interceptions returned for scores. Two of the pick-6 plays were returns of longer than 95 yards. He played everywhere on the field in high school and brings explosive versatility with him to Kingston.
Cureton brings length to the secondary at 6-2 and 180 pounds. As a senior for Heritage, he broke up 18 passes and forced two fumbles while recording 43 tackles.
Spencer was one of the top prospects out of Brevard County and had offers from the likes of Kansas, Indiana, Troy, Middle Tennessee, FAU, Bowling Green and Missouri State. In the end, he joined wide receiver and high school teammate Alvarez Baker in coming to Rhode Island.
Mitchell Garner (Pallotti, Md.) saw his recruitment gain momentum late. Initially a bit under the radar, interest picked up steam for the 6-3, 215-pound safety, as he received offers from likes of Rutgers, West Virginia, Temple, Massachusetts, Howard, James Madison, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Akron, Monmouth and New Hampshire. He is a big, physical presence in the back of the secondary.
Check GoRhody.com on Wednesday, July 26 for a look at the tight ends.
