SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) — A new chapter has begun for the University of Rhode Island football program as a new starting quarterback will be taking the field for the first time in four years.

The Rams were able to secure two transfer quarterbacks that seem to have what it takes to fill the shoes of four-year starter Kasim Hill: Devin Farrell (Virginia Tech) and Hunter Helms (Clemson).

Devin Farrell — Virginia Tech

How Farrell describes his play: “Dual threat. I’m mobile, I like to play in the pocket but I’m mobile as well.”

Redshirt sophomore Devin Farrell came to the Ocean State for the 2023 season from Virginia Tech. The Georgia native showed his versatility throughout his high school career earning a three-star rating, passing for 1,983 yards and rushing 875 yards.

After his former quarterback coach, Ron Veal, told him to transfer somewhere where they truly wanted him, Farrell said Rhode Island was the obvious choice.

“Coach Patrick Murphy [URI Offensive Coordinator] hit me up right away and he was on me right away. So I knew this was the place for me,” Farrell said.

Farrell took the past year to integrate himself into the Rhode Island Football program, and learn from former QB Kasim Hill.

“I learned a lot, because Kasim was a great quarterback here. I learned a lot from him just watching him, and just how he moved throughout practice and games. He was just a great role model to watch throughout last year,” Farrell said.

Farrell appeared as a reserve for six games in the 2023 season and made his debut against Georgia State University, where he rushed for 14 yards in a single carry. He earned his first touchdown pass in September against Bryant University, throwing a 53-yard pass to Jig Williams.

As for this year, Farrell is excited to compete for the starting position.

“It’s just like you said healthy competition. So I’m excited. I can’t wait to keep going and see what happens,” he said.

Hunter Helms — Clemson University

How Helms describes his play: “Definitely a pocket passer and I’ll run if I have to, but you know, I’m not a speed demon of any sort. So, definitely a pocket passer, a Peyton Manning or Tom Brady type.”

Hunter Helms is the Rams’ newest quarterback transfer. He played with the Clemson Tigers for four years.

In his last season for the Tigers, he completed 9-of-12 passes over four games. In his season debut with Clemson against Charleston Southern University, he completed 5-of-5 passes for 48 yards.

Helms is no stranger to hard work. He chose to be a walk-on for the Tigers despite having multiple Division I scholarship offers from Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) programs, including the University of South Florida and Troy University.

Helms was the third Clemson quarterback to start his career as a walk-on and throw a touchdown pass since 1954, according to Clemson Athletics.

Helms has kept this same mindset, telling 12 News that he didn’t want a guaranteed starting position coming to Rhode Island.

“I didn’t want anything be given, that was a point that I made when I was in the recruiting process that I just wanted to go somewhere to earn it,” Helms said. “Coming in here and competing is just pushing me to be better and also I’m pushing [Devin] to be better.”

URI offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Patrick Murphy said Helms is an all-around impressive player.

“Hunter is a dual-threat quarterback with experience at the highest level in a nationally-prominent FBS program,” Murphy said. “He brings great size and has a big, extremely accurate arm. His game is also bolstered by his high football IQ and he will offer elite leadership skills to our locker room.”

Though Helms is new to Rhode Island, he is excited to see what the state has to offer.

“I don’t think I’ve gotten to experience the best parts yet,” he said. “It’s a little chilly still. But I think the beaches … I keep hearing about the summers and springs in Rhode Island, so I’m excited to experience those in the near future.”

The Rams start their season on Aug. 31 with a matchup against Holy Cross University at home. Conference play begins Sept. 14.