With the departure of veteran QB, who will be at the center of Rhode Island football this fall

SOUTH KINGSTOWN — Jim Fleming hasn’t had to answer that question since the beginning of the decade.

Kasim Hill was the starting quarterback for the University of Rhode Island. His four years included 36 games at center and progress to contender status in the Coastal Athletic Association and the run for a long-awaited FCS playoff berth.

Hill finally left college after seven years — a COVID redshirt last extended his time with the Rams until last fall. Devin Farrell and Hunter Helms are the leading candidates to succeed him, last season’s backup and a Clemson transfer coming out of spring training on seemingly equal terms.

More: In a rapidly changing world, this Rhode Island football tradition endures

“We have difficult decisions to make,” Fleming said. “That’s what really matter. No one will know here until we know, which will probably be the day before Holy Cross.”

Saturday’s Blue-White game at Meade Stadium offered no definitive conclusion. Farrell and Helms will enter summer camp still competing after the Blue defense posted a 42-31 victory over the White offense.

Farrell threw the only touchdown and Helms threw the only interception of the day, which featured occasional rain squalls and a strong breeze blowing across the grass.

“It’s been a great competition,” Helms said. “I don’t know if it’s over. Just pushing each other in the weight room, on and off the field. It definitely makes me better.”

“It has to come from within,” Farrell said. “It cannot be driven by other people around you. Yes, it is there. He is my competitor. But I am my competitor. I have to improve every day.”

Helms finished 11 of 26 for 145 yards and profiled more as a pocket passer. He played nine games with the Tigers from 2020-23 and served as a backup to five-star prospects DJ Uiagalelei and Cade Klubnik. His only major mistake was made by former Mount Pleasant star Fredrick Mallay, who matched former St. Raphael standout Moses Meus with five tackles, a sack and a pair of tackles for loss.

“We all love Kasim, but right now we’re focused on the future,” running back Jaden Griffin said. “We have two good defenders ahead of us who have a lot of potential.”

Farrell finished 8 of 14 for 135 yards and added eight rushing attempts. He is a dual threat who was also recruited out of high school as a defensive back. Farrell connected with former Classic star Marquis Buchanan on a 23-yard fourth-quarter touchdown, a beautiful throw to the left corner of the end zone.

“I see great arm talent,” Buchanan said. “They’re both trying to be leaders and spread the ball to the open man. Let’s keep the QB battle in camp and resolve this on August 31.”

Farrell redshirted in 2022 at Virginia Tech and played in six games last year at URI. He was a three-star prospect out of Georgia who had offers from Georgia Tech, Duke, Vanderbilt, Wake Forest and more. Farrell left the Hokies after one season and showed some of his versatility with the Rams when he took the field last fall.

“I’ve been praying for this opportunity,” Farrell said. “I have been praying for this chance. It’s exciting. I’m loving every bit of it.”

Helms is a native of South Carolina and was the go-to escort in his home state. He had interest from Bryant, Holy Cross, Campbell, Elon, Liberty, Troy, South Florida and more before enlisting with a national power. Helms has the Crusaders in common with his offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach – Patrick Murphy left Worcester for Kingston before the 2020 season.

“It’s such a great place,” Helms said. “And I really think we can win here – that was also a big thing. I’m excited to see what we do this season.”

Griffin was the star in this one, rushing for 137 yards and a pair of touchdowns on just five carries. His 65-yard score was undoubtedly the highlight of the morning. Buchanan caught four passes for 84 yards as the top receiver in his position group, and both should be notable weapons when URI hosts Holy Cross in its 7 p.m. opener four months from now.

“Overall, I’m pleased with it all,” Fleming said. “There is a lot we need to work on. We are not ready yet.”

bkoch@providencejournal.com

On X: @BillKoch25

This article originally appeared in The Providence Journal: Who is the starting quarterback for Rhode Island football this fall?