Mike Boyle - New Hampshire
Senior - Wide Receiver

This week will wrap up a very productive spring for the Cats. We have two practices and our final spring game on Saturday. We ended last week with a full scrimmage that showed some bright spots on both sides of the ball. Offensively, we were able to move the ball at times and had a few big plays that led to touchdowns. The defense put a lot of pressure on the quarterbacks and caused one interception. Both sides played with great effort, but there are still some wrinkles we need to iron out in order to be successful in the CAA. There were a few penalties on offense that killed drives and a few missed assignments on defense that led to big plays.

In these last two practices and spring game, we need to continue to play hard and focus on technique and assignments. Saturday’s game will be a big evaluation day for not only the coaches but for the fans that come as well. They will get a chance to see for the first time what the 2008 team has to offer. As players, this is the best part of spring ball because it is treated like a real game and we can take all of the hard work from the field into the weight room for our summer workouts.

The team is coming together with a lot of fresh faces in larger roles and the chemistry is building. Right now we are in the process of voting for next year’s captains and seeing who the leaders are going to be at each position for next season. We are also taking part in a bone marrow drive for cancer patients that will be held on Friday, May 2nd. Each player will get 10 potential participants to show up and see if they are a possible match to help save someone’s life. It is something that we are taking very seriously in order to help people who were thrown a curveball in life. It is a great opportunity for us to give back to the community and help people who are in need.

I appreciate the opportunity to share our spring experience with all of you and look forward to another season in the CAA.

Dan Goodman - Rhode Island
Senior - Offensive Line

This past Saturday marked the end of spring ball for the Rams. We ended with our annual blue and white scrimmage, which was very well attended by the Rhody Fans. Having a large crowd really turned up the intensity of the players, and there were some big hits made throughout the scrimmage.

The team made huge strides throughout the course of spring ball. Players were moved around and younger players stepped up big in their new roles. David Wilson was named Most Improved Player on offense after his switch from defensive end to tight end. Redshirt freshman Willie McGinnis stepped up big at the defensive tackle spot, and was named Most Improved Player on defense. The Inaugural Ram Pride award was given to Rob Damon, a guy who has really taken control of the secondary.

On Sunday, April 26, the entire team attended The Autism Walk. The walk was very well attended and the participants raise awareness for Autistic children. We really had some fun with the event. Instead of setting up a ‘Bull in the Ring,’ Coach Rizzi set up ‘Dancing in the Ring.’ I think we may eventually see Miguel Prata and Dave Valley on a future episode of ‘Dancing with the Stars!’

The conclusion of the spring semester brings the beginning of our rigorous summer workouts. Almost everyone will attend summer workouts, and tremendous gains will definitely happen this summer.

Thanks for reading up on Rhode Island Football. See you in the fall!