KINGSTON, R.I. - One of Rhode Island's biggest areas of transition in 2026 comes in the secondary.
With the graduation of cornerbacks Ayinde Johnson, Jalen Neal and Jordan Campbell, along with safety Leisaan Hibbert, opportunities are available for several emerging defensive backs on this season's roster.
The Rams return cornerbacks Trey Lubin (Orlando, Fla.) and D.J. Cureton (Wake Forest, N.C.), who each made starts during the 2025 season. Safety Andre DePina-Gray (Pawtucket, R.I.) is also back for his fifth year with the Rams. The trio is joined by a group of returning reserves and incoming transfers competing for starting reps throughout training camp.
Lubin played in all 14 of Rhode Island's games a season ago, making 13 starts. His seven pass breakups ranked second on the team behind Johnson's program-record 13. Lubin added 40 tackles, two tackles for loss and an interception in his first season in Kingston after transferring from Memphis.
After starting the final five games of 2025, Cureton provides the Rams with another experienced option at cornerback. He recorded 27 tackles and an interception during his junior season.
DePina-Gray will help anchor Rhode Island's safety unit. The Rhode Island native recorded 55 tackles, the most among the team's returning defensive backs, while adding 2.5 tackles for loss and starting all 14 games at safety. DePina-Gray has also emerged as a leader for the Rams on and off the field. During the offseason, he was named CAA Football's Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
Returning Rams Chaas McCoy (Jersey City, N.J.), Tremel States-Jones (Surrey, B.C.), Ethan McCann-Carter (Pawtucket, R.I.) and Jermel Bynum (Norwalk, Conn.) all saw action a season ago as reserves and on special teams. Each will be in the mix for an expanded role as training camp continues.
Dartmouth transfer Tyson Grimm (Akron, Ohio) is also in the mix for a starting role in the secondary. Grimm appeared in 19 games over the last two seasons for the Big Green, recording two interceptions during that span, including a pick-six against Columbia in 2025. He joins St. Thomas transfer Joseph Obeto and Kilgore College transfer Shaun Ukeje (Mansfield, Texas) as a trio of newcomers who have seen reps in the secondary throughout training camp.
Inside the Position Room is a training camp series highlighting each Rhode Island Football position group leading up to the 2026 season. Follow along at GoRhody.com as the Rams continue preparations for the upcoming season.
