ORONO – Coach Jack Cosgrove welcomed back nine starters when the University of Maine football team opened training camp in August.

That means at least 13 other starting positions have been up for grabs as the Black Bears prepare for the 1993 Yankee Conference season. Yes, numerous questions remain to be answered as UMaine embarks on its regular-season schedule.

The challenge for first-year head coach Cosgrove and the Maine staff is to find the perfect blend of veterans and newcomers that will jell into a cohesive football team as quickly as possible.

Defense should be the strength of the ’93 Black Bears, who boast six proven performers. Outside linebacker Jemal Murph, a fifth-year player, is the defensive leader. Murph was the team’s No. 2 tackler a year ago with 94 and led the squad in ’91.

“We’ve got Murph coming back. He’s the backbone of our defense right now,” Cosgrove said. “He’s invaluable to us.”

Murph will play behind a front line that includes returning starters in senior tackle Jed Wehrman, senior end Fred Harner, and junior DT Todd Park. Junior Rob Shaw will step in at the other end, replacing All-ECAC pick Corey Parker.

Sophomore Al Hall, a backup last fall, will play the other OLB spot, while juniors Ako Stafford and Jeff Comissiong are expected to see plenty of action. In the middle, sophomore Ross Fichthorn has the task of trying to replace All-New England selection Dan Girard.

“There’s a good blend of veterans and young guys throughout our defense,” Cosgrove said. “I’m excited about the defensive front line.”

The Bears are blessed with considerable experience in the secondary, where fifth-year man Anthony Jackson and senior Fred Guions return. Larry Jones, another fifth-year player, suffered a knee injury suffered in a preseason car crash and will get a late start.

Sophomore Kevin Harris gives UMaine depth at corner, while sophomore Joe Robinson and junior Bob Zurinskas will share duties at strong safety. Junior Greg Mikell is back at free safety, where sophomore Greg Kelley will also play.

The offense will feature several new faces. Junior quarterback Emilio Colon, the school’s No. 4 career passer, is poised for his third year directing the Black Bear offense.

Colon, who threw for 1,823 yards and 13 touchdowns while completing 61 percent of his throws last fall, is blessed with a veteran receiver corps. Senior wideout Frizell Davis, the team’s top pass-catcher in ’92, headlines a group that includes elusive junior wideout Steve Cates, rugged sophomore tight end Brian Gaine and fifth-year split end Kenny Squires, along with junior WR Donny Ledbetter.

The area of concern on offense is in the line, where senior RT John Pourby, senior RG John Hevesy and fifth-year senior Dave Clark are the mainstays. Sophomore Steve Stinson, who started at times a year ago, will battle for time at left tackle with sophomore Dave Rilatt, with soph Mike Missbrenner pencilled in at left guard.

Sophomores Tom Bingham and Brendan Parker are other up-and-comers in the trenches.

“We’re very young in the offensive line,” Cosgrove said. “Everybody’s offense starts with how good you are there. We’ve made progress. Of course, we’ve got to lean on our veteran guys early.”

There is stiff competition among the running backs. Sophomore fullback-turned-tailback Ray Baur and junior fullback Steve Knight give Maine a physical backfield duo.

Junior Robert Tubbs provides speed and junior Linc McRae depth at TB, where first-year players Bob Jameson, Scott Tracey and Andre Pam have shown promise and are competing hard to get a shot.

Sophomore Tom Dadmun heads an untested placekicking corps, while sophomore Jerrod Thebarge is a veteran punter.

University of Maine (6-5) 1992 Football Game Results

Maine 27 New Hampshire 24

Maine 10 Kutztown State 0

Maine 36 Northeastern 47

Maine 6 Richmond 28

Maine 42 Liberty 20

Maine 21 Rhode Island 9

Maine 30 Connecticut 37

Maine 13 Delaware 57

Maine 40 Boston Univ. 11

Maine 21 Massachusetts 13

Maine 8 Villanova 28 Saturday’s Opener

Maine at Buffalo, 7 p.m.