ORONO – Rob Kierstead has an innate feel for football, a game in which he has achieved tremendous success.

At South Portland High, he played on a team that won 31 consecutive games and two state championships. As a senior, he was a finalist for the prestigious Fitzpatrick Trophy, given annually to the state’s outstanding senior player.

The further he has progressed in his career, the more challenging the game has become for Kierstead. As he moves into the heart of his senior season at the University of Maine, the veteran linebacker is reaping the rewards of several years of hard work.

The 5-foot-11, 233-pounder is in his third season as a regular at inside linebacker for the third-ranked Black Bears (4-0), who seek their 10th straight home victory Saturday at 1 p.m. when they take on Rhode Island at Alfond Stadium.

“I’m ecstatic,” Kierstead said of UMaine’s recent success. “I never thought when I first got here [in 1998] that we’d be [ranked] that high. It’s nice to have those numbers next to us, but we’re working toward the playoffs – that’s our main goal – and winning the Atlantic 10.”

Kierstead, a full-time starter two years ago, saw his playing time reduced last season at a position that featured All-American Stephen Cooper and talented freshman Lofa Tatupu. He went into the offseason determined to do whatever it took to be at his best this fall.

Kierstead set out to improve his speed, agility and strength.

“I talked to a lot of people back home to help me work on my techniques in running,” Kierstead said. “I did different lifts with [strength and conditioning] coach [Will] Biberstein to help strengthen my legs and help me get faster.”

This season, Cooper is back, Tatupu has transferred to Southern Cal and Kierstead is better than ever. Through four games, he is tied for second on the team with 25 tackles.

“Rob was our starter last year and he lost his starting position to [Tatupu],” Cosgrove said. “I think that stung him a little bit, but I give Rob a ton of credit for his preparation for this season. He’s really been a key performer for us.”

In addition to the offseason regimen, Kierstead has been injury-free and is playing behind a talented front four.

“There’s no way I could have played as well as I have been without those guys doing their jobs up front,” Kierstead said.

The most noticeable improvement from the offseason work in his speed.

“The goal was to make him a complete linebacker by improving his speed, his lateral ability, to play a fast back man-to-man,” Cosgrove said.

“It’s definitely making it more fun for me and easier at the same time,” said Kierstead, who admitted he sometimes overpursues plays.

In addition to his physical skills, Kierstead has a great knack for playing linebacker.

“His No. 1 attribute is, Rob knows our defense,” Cosgrove said. “He will study, prepare and have the power on game day of knowledge of his opponent. But good players have instincts. Something in their mind tells their body how to do these things.”

Kierstead chose UMaine over New Hampshire and admits he enjoys representing his home state, especially after last year’s drive to the NCAA playoffs and the impressive start in 2002.

“I always wanted to play the highest division I possibly could and Maine gave me the chance,” Kierstead said. “I’m really happy playing here. Being from Maine and being part of the team and helping the program grow and prosper is event that more special.”