URI’s relentless sack artist with NFL buzz
A.J. Peña is the kind of defender coaches love: disruptive, violent off the edge, and proven in big moments. In the 2025 season, he was the CAA Defensive Player of the Year, piled up 61 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, and 11 quarterback hurries, and helped Rhode Island rank top-20 nationally in total and scoring defense. He also owns URI career records for sacks and tackles for loss, which tells you the production is real, not a one-year flash. He projects as a fringe NFL roster prospect, but his motor and edge pressure make him a fit for teams needing a high-effort hybrid backer.
