Gabe Sloat, a fourth-year running back for the University of Rhode Island football team, has risen to starter status since walking on in his first year with the Rams.
Sloat was born and raised in North Kingstown, Rhode Island and is now playing in front of his family and friends right around the corner from where he grew up.
“When I was coming through high school there weren’t that many guys from Rhode Island playing division one football and there were not a lot playing for URI,” Sloat said. “It’s cool now accomplishing both of those things and creating an avenue for Rhode Island guys to see what it’s like to play at this level in their own state. It’s a good sense of pride everytime I’m out there for our school.”
Sloat entered the 2023 season as a player looking to make an impact and find his way onto the field for the Rams. Now, five games into the season, Sloat has had his most impactful year yet. The running back has played in every game, and has set career highs in rushing attempts with 38 and rushing yards with 130. Sloat talked about his development from his first year and what he has improved on to maintain consistency every game.
“I just stayed consistent in my process,” Sloat said. “Eating right, working out, going to the field to train, doing it everyday and not making excuses for myself. I feel like that just showed up in all areas the way I play.”
Running back coach Mike Flanagan transitioned to his coaching role after Sloat’s first year, and he has seen how Gabe has developed as a player since walking on during year one.
“He came in with a little chip on his shoulder,” he said. “[His] first year he spent a whole year on the scout team and working his a** off. Gabe’s the type of guy who will do anything you ask him to do, I think he spent a lot of time in the weight room to get stronger and then he works a ton on his own.”
Sloat did not find his way into the starting lineup overnight, but Flanagan has seen what Sloat has done in such a short period of time.
“In coaching, you want to get guys to reach their fullest potential,” Flannagan said. “[I was] surprised by how quickly he was able to develop. He always had talent, just seeing him do it in a quick amount of time compared to some other people in his situation.”
Although Sloat has fit in well in his new role for the Rams, he has a few goals he wants to hit to continue to help the team.
“Keep staying consistent,” Sloat said. “Be the best player I can be on every snap. Giving it my all, I know if I keep doing all the external things that come along with the game that everyone has a goal of achieving, I just know things like that will start to come up and I’m giving it my all for myself, my team. I just want to win at the end of the day.”
Sloat and the Rams are 3-2 on the year after a 49-26 victory over Bryant University during family weekend last Saturday. Solat and the team go north to Providence this Saturday to take on Brown University at 1 p.m, with Sloat looking to add to his career season stats while helping the team complete the state sweep.