KINGSTON, R.I. - Rhode Island Football returns four of its top specialists from a year ago, which will provide an excellent learning opportunity for some fresh faces joining the unit.

Though long snapper Donato Crisanti, kicker Ty Groff, punter Devin Walter and kicker Will Johnson, who handled kickoff responsibilities, topped the depth chart in 2023, the Rams have depth at each position.

A redshirt senior, Crisanti has handled long snapping duties for the Rams since arriving in Kingston. The former Rutgers transfer is one of the top snappers in college football and has played in 36 games for URI. At 6-5, 243 pounds, look for Crisanti to make a more concerted effort to get involved in downfield coverage this season.

Groff is back for his second season with Rhode Island and broke onto the scene as a true freshman in 2023. The former CAA Football Co-Special Teams Player of the Week tallied 66 points as the team's primary kicker, the fifth-most in the program's single-season history. Groff had three field goals of longer than 40 yards and missed just one of his 40 attempted point after tries.

Also returning for his sophomore campaign is Walter, who locked down the punting job as a true freshman. The son of former NFL punter Ken Walter, he punted 47 times for 1,826 yards while pinning 15 inside the 20-yard line.

Johnson and Dylan Shank are experienced returners who could create competition for Groff. Johnson played in all 11 games for the Rams as a true freshman while Shank appeared five times as a redshirt freshman, as both a reserve kicker and punter.

After joining the team late last year as a walk-on, Drew Pietraszka will also be looking to make his mark this season. The Rhode Island native was a successful dual-sport athlete at Westerly, playing both football and lacrosse.

Special teams coordinator Troy Gilmer, who also works with the outside linebackers, brought in a pair of freshmen to add to the mix as well. Joining Crisanti will be Dillon Keough, a long snapper from Winchester, Mass., while Adam Okonowicz (New London, Pa.) was signed as a kicker.

In the punt return game, look for Gabe Sloat to resume his duties as the team's go-to. A returning All-CAA Football Third Team honoree, he tallied 175 punt return yards on 21 attempts, with a long run of 41 yards.

Keep an eye on kick returns, as the spot is up for grabs with the departure of Randy Jordan (transfer - Hampton). The former Ram had 17 kickoff returns last season, though Deon Silas and Jaden Griffin both saw time in the role. Both Silas and Griffin are likely candidates to earn the job in 2024.

Be sure to check out GoRhody.com on Friday, July 26 for the final position preview of the season, which will examine the running backs.