ORONO – As they flew, drove, and rode toward the University of Maine on Monday, members of the football class of 2003 undoubtedly entertained themselves with visions of future gridiron glory.

When those freshmen arrived on campus, they discovered another side of college life: They stood in lines and filled out paperwork.

“We’re gonna get them in-house and get them acclimated to where they’re going to live,” coach Jack Cosgrove explained, pointing out that this year’s crop of freshmen won’t actually get to play any football until Wednesday or Thursday.

“They’re gonna be surprised,” he said with a laugh.

NCAA regulations call for schools to provide an academic orientation session if they choose to extend their freshman preseason by three days.

Maine will offer the academic session Tuesday. Upperclassmen arrive on Wednesday, and strength testing and a media day are set for Friday.

That meant that Monday’s itinerary included filling out forms, opening bank accounts, and moving into a dorm.

But that doesn’t mean football wasn’t a major topic of conversation.

Bangor’s Hampton Clarkson said he tried to temper his enthusiasm.

“You’re definitely excited, but not too excited,” said Clarkson, who is penciled in as a fullback. “You’ve still got to pay your dues all over again. You’ve kind of got to throw that old stuff out the door and start fresh and new, right here.”

Cosgrove said some freshmen will get the chance to mature slowly, while graduation losses may give other first-year players the chance to contribute immediately.

“[Some] in this group know that we’re counting on them a little bit more,” Cosgrove said. “We have some needs to fill on this team with this class, so they’re coming in maybe jacked up a little bit more about their opportunity than the others, who are coming in at positions that we’re a little more stocked at.”

One such opportunity exists at quarterback, where star Mickey Fein has moved on and senior Brian Scott is heir apparent.

“We only have two quarterbacks in the program, we know we travel [with] three, so one of the three we’re bringing in is guaranteed a spot on the bus,” Cosgrove said.

The three freshmen are highly touted Vermont product Jake Eaton, along with Skowhegan’s Ben Clark and Jon Bond of Bridgton Academy.

Cosgrove said he has confidence in all three freshmen.

“You’re certainly challenging them more than you are any other position,” said Cosgrove, pointing to the inherent leadership role a quarterback must play.

“And yet, most of the time those guys are there because they’ve got skills as athletes and they’ve got great thinking skill, instincts.”