Rhode Island is coming off a strong 7-4 season, which saw the Rams finish 4th in the CAA in the 2021 season. The wide receiver position experienced significant turnover after the Rams lost leading receivers Ivory Frimpong and Matt Pires this offseason. The Rams landed an instant contributor in former Old Dominion WR Darius Savedge this weekend to bolster the receiving core.
“ Sometimes you don’t have to tell your story , your story will tell itself “@CustaviousP @CoachFlanaganRI @CoachMurphURI pic.twitter.com/pR6Zd6tiYb
— Darius Savedge (@DSavedgee) June 3, 2022
Savedge played quarterback until his senior season at Smithfield High School, in which he was a team captain for all four seasons in high school. The 6-foot-3, 212-pound WR totaled 38 catches for over 600 receiving yards in his first season playing wide receiver. Savedge was an All-Region selection after leading his district in receiving yards as a senior.
Savedge redshirted his first season at Old Dominion, but played in over 22 games as a redshirt freshman and sophomore in 2019 and 2021. Over his three seasons at Old Dominion, Savedge totaled 18 catches for 262 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, and averaged over 14 yards per catch. He was also named to the C-USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll twice throughout his time at Old Dominion.
Savedge announced his intention to transfer in January of 2022 as a graduate transfer with two years of eligibility remaining. He held multiple offers from Norfolk State, Alabama A&M, Robert Morris, UAlbany, & Rhode Island.
The Rams will be able to utilize Savedge’s size and athleticism going into the 2022 season at the WR position. Rutgers transfer Paul Woods and Ed Lee return at the WR spot for the Rams and the 3-headed monster of Woods, Lee, & Savedge is primed to be a force in the CAA next season. Savedge and Woods both have the ability to be a deep threat for the Rhode Island offense after both players averaged over 17 yards per catch in the 2021 season.
Rhode Island enters the 2022 season as one of the contenders for the CAA Championship after James Madison has left for the FBS-level. The Rams open their season on the road against Stony Brook in a huge CAA matchup in Week 1.