Every time University of Rhode Island fifth-year defensive back Freddy Mallay steps on the field, he’s playing for something far bigger than himself.
A native of Providence, he grew up loving the URI football program and his passion for the Rams is personal.
“Rhode Island’s home to me,” Mallay said. “It’s more than just a school. It’s more than just a program. For me, I grew up watching this program, so I always wanted the ability to come here and make an impact.”
Mallay has been a key contributor to a Rams defensive group that ranks fourth in total defense in the Coastal Athletic Association. However, Mallay’s impact reaches much farther than his accomplishments on the field. He’s begun to impact his community as well.
“I know a lot of kids in my city see me and see hope,” Mallay said. “A Providence guy, Rhode Island guy, can come here and do special things.”
Mallay’s goal of playing for the Rams has been a long time in the making. URI Head Coach Jim Fleming remembers a young Mallay standing out at the teams summer camp years before he would later play for them on saturdays.
“Freddy started off coming to camp here during the summers,” Fleming said. “I think he went for three straight years and he was an incredibly competitive kid, he would steal reps. You know, when people were waiting for a while, he was bumping somebody out and taking a rep and just competed his tail off.”
Years later, Mallay’s gratitude remains strong for Fleming, who he calls his “ big homie” for recognizing his competitive nature and bringing him to URI.
“We always talk about the story of him coming down to my high school, pulling me out of class, and he offered me on the spot,” Mallay said. “I cried that day because I was waiting so long in high school for Rhode Island to pull the trigger on me…I love that guy to death.”
Now, with each game he plays, Mallay aims to prove that this trust was well placed.
One of his best performances of the year came during his outing against the University of New Hampshire on Oct. 19 as Mallay racked up eight total tackles, an interception, a forced fumble and a tackle for loss in the Rams 26-9 victory. This performance would earn Mallay CAA Co-defensive player of the week for the first time in his career.
While this was the first CAA honor of his career, Mallay isn’t focused on titles. He’s only focused on going undefeated every week.
“I’m just trying to keep my head down and win the next game,” Mallay said. “Go one and zero every week…I don’t really have any specific goals, but I know they’re going to come as long as I play fast and fly around with the guys on the field.”
Mallay and the Rams will play next against Monmouth University at Meade stadium on Saturday at 1 p.m. The game will be streamed on FloSports and radio broadcasts will be available on RIU2.org and Varsity Network