KINGSTON, R.I. - Few position groups on Rhode Island's roster enter the 2026 season with as much experience as the linebackers.
The inside combination of Rohan Davy (Briggs Chaney, Md.) and Moses Meus (Pawtucket, R.I.) returns after finishing as Rhode Island's top two tacklers a season ago. Meus led the Rams with 110 tackles while adding 5.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks. Davy was close behind with 101 tackles, including an impressive 13 tackles for loss and seven sacks.
At 5-foot-10, 205 pounds, Davy and the 6-foot-3, 230-pound Meus bring different skill sets to the middle of the defense. Together, their production and experience give the Rams a formidable combination at inside linebacker.
Behind Davy and Meus, Sam Ofurie (Salem, Mass.) and Gage Hinkley (Colchester, Conn.) saw increased roles throughout training camp. Ofurie appeared in 13 games with one start for the Rams last season, finishing with 25 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. Hinkley appeared in all 14 games, contributing on both defense and special teams. Both are expected to take on expanded roles within the unit in 2026.
On the outside, Rhode Island returns Mitchell Garner (Glen Burnie, Md.), who made 10 starts while appearing in all 14 games last season. Garner totaled 37 tackles, including a career-high eight at FBS Western Michigan. Joining Garner as a returning outside linebacker is Marquese Avery (Lynn, Mass.). Entering his third season with Rhode Island, Avery appeared in 10 games a season ago. His snap count increased throughout training camp as he positioned himself for a larger role in the Rams' defense this fall.
Rhode Island also bolstered the position through the transfer portal with the additions of Colgate transfer Dane Picariello and Florida International transfer Toddrick Brewton (Miami Gardens, Fla.).
Picariello has worked with the first-team defense throughout training camp after completing a four-year career at Colgate. Joining the Rams as a postgraduate, Picariello developed into one of the Patriot League's most productive tacklers during his time with the Raiders. He totaled 158 tackles over the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Brewton appeared in seven games during his redshirt sophomore season at Florida International, recording four tackles, one quarterback hit and 0.5 tackles for loss. He adds another experienced option to an outside linebacker group that features Garner, Avery, and Picariello as threats in Rhode Island's pass rush.
With proven production returning on both the inside and outside, the veteran-heavy unit figures to once again play a key role in the Rams' defense.
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.
