Cummings changes his stripes Minuteman passes on Norwich to be Mariner

He originally thought he might go to school and play football at the University of Maine. Then he paid his deposit at Norwich University in Vermont.

But when he reports to training camp and puts on the pads on Aug. 16, Justin Cummings will be a Mariner: He’s heading to Maine Maritime Academy in Castine.

Cummings, who was a finalist for the Fitzpatrick Trophy last fall after completing a stellar high school career at Stearns High in Millinocket, said he made his decision late after talking with new MMA coach Chris McKenney and visiting the school last month.

Cummings rushed for 1,976 yards and scored 35 touchdowns as a senior.

“It was kind of surprising, because I sent my deposit [to Norwich] and everything,” Cummings said. “But Maine Maritime Academy is closer and a lot of people up here want to go to my games.”

Cummings, who was named the East team’s MVP in Friday’s Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic, said he’ll major in marine engineering, but doesn’t know which side of the ball he’ll play on.

Cummings gained a reputation as a punishing runner in high school, meeting defenders head-on and battling for the extra yard.

“I talked to the coach and he didn’t know where he wants me to play,” Cummings said. “I’ll probably go in as a tailback, and might move to outside linebacker. But I’d like to play tailback. I like to play offense.”

Cummings said he decided not to attend Division I-AA Maine because he was concerned about his chances to play.

“They said they had some money for me, but not that much, and I figured that would mean I wouldn’t get that much playing time for three years,” Cummings said. “So I decided to go [Division III] because I’d be able to play.”