CAA Football

Rhode Island Football: Rhody Picked 11th in CAA, Holmes Named to All-Conference Team

by Dave Ascoli Follow @RhodyRampage
Aug 29, 2014; Syracuse, NY, USA; Villanova Wildcats quarterback John Robertson (19) looks to pass down field against the Syracuse Orange during the first quarter at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse defeated Villanova 27-26 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Stop us if you’ve heard this before. The Rhode Island Rams football team has been picked to finish 11th in the CAA, it was announced today at the conference’s Media Day. Rhody slots in one spot ahead of Elon in the 12-team conference, which should sound familiar. The two schools were ranked 11 and 12 in last year’s preseason poll as well.

There’s a new team at the top in 2015, however. Villanova, led by star QB John Robertson, claimed the #1 spot at today’s Media Day. UNH, last year’s top squad, slides down to the third spot. Here’s a look at the full projected order of finish, with first place votes in parentheses:

1. Villanova (14)
2. James Madison (5)
3. New Hampshire (5)
4. William & Mary
5. Richmond
6. Delaware
7. Maine
8. Stony Brook
9. Towson
10. Albany
11. Rhode Island
12. Elon

There’s not a tremendous amount of change from last year’s rankings, both pre- and postseason. The biggest movers are James Madison (trending up) and Towson (trending down). Otherwise, the list qualifies as the “safe bet”. It’ll now be on the Rams to try and shock some folks in 2015.

Which segues nicely into a player who turned some heads last year… and could do the same again this season. Rhode Island kick returner Myles Holmes was named to the 2015 CAA Football Preseason All-Conference Team — the only Rhody player selected. Holmes was electrifying for URI last season, tallying three returns of 40+ yards, including a 100-yard burst to the house against Maine.

The Rams could use a couple more big plays like that this season, and they have the right guy to get it done. Opening night against Syracuse is a little less than six weeks away.