KINGSTON, R.I. - Rhode Island Football's
Andre DePina-Gray was named CAA Football's Scholar-Athlete of the Year, the conference announced on Thursday morning. DePina-Gray is the first Rhode Island student-athlete in program history to earn the recognition.
"Andre exemplifies the very best of the University of Rhode Island and its football program," head coach
Jim Fleming said. "Andre is a former walk-on player who dreamed of representing his home state on the football field. He has taken advantage of this opportunity to earn a degree, achieve high honors, and earn a scholarship on a two-time championship team while becoming an all-conference player. The University's motto is 'Think big. We do.' Andre does that."
In the classroom, DePina-Gray has excelled since arriving in Kingston. He earned a 3.92 GPA and graduated with a degree in Sports Media & Communications in Dec. 2025. He has been accepted to URI's Communications Studies master's program and has begun course work this semester.
The Pawtucket, R.I. native is a seven-time CAA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll honoree and has been a Dean's List selection six times. DePina-Gray earned the program's A.A. Savastano Scholar-Athlete Award in 2024. The Savastano Award is the highest academic award within the Rhode Island Football program. He has also been honored at the Rhode Island State House as a Distinguished Scholar-Athlete.
On the field, DePina-Gray has been a reliable and productive member of the Rhode Island secondary, earning All-CAA Honorable Mention recognition during the 2024 season as well as Fifth Team All-CAA honors from Phil Steele. In 2025, he finished fifth on the team with 55 total tackles while adding 2.5 tackles for loss, a pass breakup, a fumble recovery, and an interception.
Nominees for the CAA Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year must have senior standing academically with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0. In honor of his achievement, DePina-Gray will receive a $1,000 scholarship to be used for future educational expenses.
