KINGSTON, R.I. - Rhode Island Football's Gabe Sloat was announced as the Providence Gridiron Club's 2024 Home State Hero Award winner earlier this week.

The North Kingstown native was one of two honorees recognized by the organization, as Georgia's Xavier Truss, who graduated from Bishop Hendricken, earned the Pride of Rhode Island award.

Sloat appeared in all 11 of URI's games last season as the team's primary running back and punt returner. He was a 2023 CAA Football Third Team selection at punt returner and landed on the Phil Steele All-CAA Fourth Team at that position, as well. Sloat rushed for 225 yards with two touchdowns on 61 carries and tallied 175 punt return yards on 21 attempts, with a long run of 41 yards. 

A member of the CAA Football Commissioner's Honor Roll, he is a Dean's List student at URI. He is currently pursuing a second bachelor's degree in criminology and criminal justice. 

The awards for Sloat and Truss will be presented at a banquet held by the Providence Gridiron Club in April. 

Honorable mentions for the Home State Hero Award featured an additional two Rams in defensive backs Fredrick Mallay and Emmanual Gomes.