Alon Byers, a wide receiver and defensive back at Colonie High School in Albany, N.Y., has verbally committed to attend the University of Maine this fall as a member of the Black Bear football program.

Byers confirmed through his high school coach Friday he will sign a national letter of intent with Maine when the NCAA signing period opens Feb. 5. Byers becomes the fourth player to verbally commit to the Black Bears this week, following Maine schoolboys Jason Jabar, quarterback for Waterville High, Portland High two-way tackle Steve Stinson, and Edward Little of Auburn tight end Jason Agren.

“Alon is very excited to be going to Maine,” said Harry Kachadurian, head football coach at Colonie High. “He also looked at New Hampshire, Connecticut, and UMass, but he felt Maine was the best fit for him.”

Byers, a 6-foot, 175-pound two-sport athlete, played running back for Colonie this past season, rushing for more than 500 yards despite playing out of his natural position. He also caught 10 passes, averaging more than 20 yards per reception.

As a defensive back, Byers made three interceptions and finished as the No. 2 tackler on a 4-5 team in New York State Class A. He was named a county all-star.

A track competitor who runs 100 meters in 10.7 seconds, Byer will bring speed to his position as a wide receiver or defensive back at Maine.