ORONO – Depth is always a concern for the University of Maine football team.

Coach Jack Cosgrove usually has a solid group of front-line players, but injuries and attrition can severely hamper the Black Bears’ ability to win consistently.

UMaine returns 15 starters, including nine on defense, from a squad that finished 5-6 (3-5 in the Atlantic 10), last fall. To improve on that effort, the Bears must prove not only that the veterans are better, but that the first-time starters are capable of performing at a consistently high level.

“The challenge is that there are a lot of young guys, so our questions really sit around younger players and how fast they can develop and help in those key areas that are backup roles and on special teams,” said Cosgrove, whose teams are 36-52 (.409) in nine seasons. “Our players have really raised their expectations.”

The Bears open Saturday at 7 p.m. on Morse Field with a non-league game against 0-1 Colgate.

This is a youthful UMaine team. Among the 78 players on the roster 57, or 73 percent, are freshmen or sophomores. The Bears boast nine seniors and 12 juniors.

“We need younger guys to step up, there’s no question about that,” Cosgrove said. “We’ve committed to a lot of younger players in a lot of areas in backup roles right now. That’s a key part of this team.”

Veteran defense to set the tone

Defense should be the cornerstone of the squad as 10 of last season’s top 13 tacklers return. The unit is spearheaded by junior inside linebacker Stephen Cooper whose 84 tackles, 5.5 sacks and four fumble recoveries led the team a year ago.

The UMaine defense finished 2000 on a positive note, allowing only 76 points (13.8 ppg) in its last 22 quarters as the Bears won three of their last four contests.

“We’re real confident right now,” Cooper said. “Most of the guys on defense are real smart and they’re all athletes, so they can work around mistakes. We’re really focused.”

UMaine ranked third in the A-10 in scoring defense, allowing 29.0 points per game. The Bears were sixth in total defense (355 yards per game) and fourth in rushing defense (185 ypg).

Junior inside linebacker Rob Kierstead of South Portland (58 tackles in ’00) is joined by returning starters in sophomore cornerback Devon Goree (54 tackles, 3 interceptions), senior LB Ernie Svolto (53 tackles), senior cornerback Lennard Byrd (43), senior co-captain and outside LB Malik Nichols (39), junior free safety Dave Cusano (37) and senior end Damon Boinske (37 tackles, 9 sacks).

Up front, junior DT Amos Hall and soph DT Dan Joslyn have moved into starting roles, while soph DT Dennis Dottin-Carter (38) is expected to see plenty of action. Sophomores Brian Mann and Marcus Walton also should see action.

Cooper and Boinske were preseason All-Atlantic 10 picks.

“We have nine guys coming back on defense, nine guys who had a pretty good feeling at the end of the year about their ability,” Cosgrove said. “Those guys come in here with a lot of confidence that you get from those successful experiences.”

Among the backup linebackers, seniors Justin Davis and David Ellis have limited game experience, while freshmen Matt DiBiase of South Portland and Lofa Tatupu are unproven.

The secondary is another area of strength for the Bears, where Byrd has been a mainstay each of the last two seasons. Cusano, who also can play corner, is the free safety.

Goree stepped into the fold last seasons as a freshman and earned the starting job at corner. Sophomore Derek Martinez is back after missing all of last season with a knee injury and freshman Ron Waller also appears ready to contribute as a backup.

“I think we’ve grown a lot on defense. We’ve matured in some spots,” Cosgrove said.

Offense wants to ‘pound the rock’

Junior quarterback Jake Eaton takes the reins of the UMaine offense for the third straight season and may wind up driving the Bears at a more deliberate pace.

Eaton, who led the Atlantic 10, set a school record and ranked third in the nation with a .659 completion percentage (184-for-279), will be working with a much- less-experienced group of receivers. With 149 receptions, 1,970 yards and 14 touchdowns lost to graduation, UMaine might need some time to re-establish its passing game with unproven wideouts.

“Jake makes their job a little bit easier. He doesn’t require them to make the tough catch like an inexperienced guy,” Cosgrove said of Easton’s passing accuracy. “He has a great working relationship with them and has really helped their development.”

All-Conference pick Chad Hayes of Old Town, a senior captain, gives UMaine a proven performer at tight end, where freshman Dante Fusco is the backup.

Sophomore wide receivers Stefan Gomes and Paris Minor played limited roles a year ago, making three catches each. They, along with frosh Ivi Nwosu, will be the primary targets on the outside.

“They’re not Phil [McGeoghan] and Dwayne {Wilmot) right now, but they’re talented kids,” Eaton said. “I have confidence in them. I think they can make plays.”

The Bears are likely to take advantage of a solid offensive line and run the football. Senior captain Zack Magliaro, the left tackle, and soph right tackle Matt Hammond started all 11 games last fall. They’re joined by Millinocket sophomore Pete Richardson, who returns after suffering a torn knee ligament in the second game and missing the rest of the 2000 season.

Sophomore guard Jon Kmety played in four games a year ago, while frosh Mike Leconte of South Portland has won the starting job at center. Junior center Brian Williams, who started four games last season, along with freshmen Mark Lehner and Mark Moehl, are the backups.

First-year players Ben Lezarski and Keith Ford provide depth.

They’ll be blocking for senior tailback Royston English and junior fullback John Gelsomino. English, who ranks ninth on UMaine’s all-time rushing list with 1,685 yards, was slowed during preseason by migraine headaches.

He had been battling for playing time with second-year man James Henry, who will miss the first two or three games with a separated left shoulder. In the meantime, freshmen Marcus Williams and Onyi Momah are likely to be pressed into service.

Gelsomino, a converted tight end, is a strong blocker whose role as a ballcarrier and receiver should be expanded this season.

“Our emphasis is going to be running the football: ‘Pound the rock,’ ” said Eaton, who is a slippery threat running the ball. “That’s what looks like it best fits our personnel right now.”

UMaine ranked third in the A10 in scoring offense a year ago at 29 points per game. The Bears were sixth in total offense (378 ypg).

Freshmen hope to kick the habit

One of the Bears’ big challenges is re-establishing its kicking game with a pair of freshmen.

Mike Mellow earned the punting and place-kicking duties during preseason, but is being pushed by Chris DeVinney of South Portland. Senior Todd Jagoutz, UMaine’s all-time leading scorer, led the league in punting last season.

How the newcomers perform and handle pressure situations will be another key for the Bears.

Speed on special teams

Byrd will be among the mainstays of the Bears’ special teams as the punt and kickoff return man. Goree also will return punts, with Jarrod Gomes and Stefan Gomes lining up deep on kickoffs.

University of Maine

2001 Football Schedule

September

8 ? Colgate, 7 p.m.

15 ? at North Dakota State, 2:30 p.m.

22 ? at Hofstra, 6 p.m.

29 ? James Madison, 7 p.m.

October

6 ? Richmond, 7 p.m.

13 ? at Northeastern, 12:30 p.m.

20 ? Villanova, noon

27 ? at William & Mary, noon

November

3 ? at Rhode Island, noon

10 ? Massachusetts, noon

17 ? at New Hampshire, noon