The University of Maine football coaching staff went into the 2002 season with the goal of improving production in the run game.

Five weeks into the campaign, the third-ranked Black Bears (5-0) have made significant strides toward that end. UMaine averaged almost 230 rushing yards, an increase of 57 yards per game over last season’s total.

“The physical side of our play on offense is pretty obvious,” said UMaine coach Jack Cosgrove. “We’ve done a great job in terms of the attitude that we have, that the offensive staff promotes, the “Pound the Rock” mentality.”

Despite losing 2,800-yard rusher Royston English, tackle Zack Magliaro and pro signee tight end Chad Hayes, UMaine has boosted its numbers behind a formidable offensive line.

The starting unit features tackles Matt Hammond and Mark Lehner, guards Pete Richardson of Millinocket and Mike Leconte of South Portland, and center Ben Lazarski. Tight end Danny Fusco and fullback John Gelsomino are other key elements in the unit.

“It starts with a very tough, physical, talented offensive line,” Cosgrove said. “They more they’ve worked together, the better they’ve gotten. The continuity, playing together on consistent basis, has allowed that to happen.”

The Bears rank second behind only Rhode Island in Atlantic 10 rushing offense and also are second in average time of possession at 32 minutes, 9 seconds per outing.

The beneficiaries of the blocking success have been UMaine’s trio of tailbacks, led by sophomore Marcus Williams. Williams is coming off a career-best performance Saturday against Rhode Island during which he piled up 198 yards on 25 carries.

The 5-foot-10, 225-pounder leads Atlantic 10 rushers with an average of 106 yards per game and 6.2 yards per carry. Williams boasts those numbers despite getting only 10 carries each against Villanova and Howard after suffering a thigh bruise in the ‘Nova game.

He has 529 yards this season and 702 in his brief career, which means he is well on his way to reaching the 1,000-yard mark this season. While Williams has been outstanding, the Bears are developing depth at tailback.

Sophomore Jim Henry, who was plagued by a shoulder injury last season, has worked his way into the mix of late. However, an infection on the ring finger of his left hand kept him out of last Saturday’s game.

Henry isn’t quite as big as Williams at 5-10, 199, but is an explosive runner who can outrun defenses. He has netted 47 yards per game and 4.6 yards per attempt.

With Henry out against URI, backup Onyi Momah, another sophomore, showed promise with seven carries for 31 yards before suffering a bruised shoulder. The 6-1, 224-pounder packs a wallop and appears to have excellent potential.

“Those are all young guys and their best football is still in front of them,” Cosgrove said. “It’s a testament to the depth and the quality of player that we’re bringing into the program.”

And that’s not all. Senior quarterback Jake Eaton is an effective ballcarrier, whether on designed plays or on his own.

Eaton is UMaine’s No. 2 rusher with 254 yards on 50 carries, a healthy average of 5.1 yards per carry and 51 yards per game.

“Those are designed plays in our offense that Jake has a great working knowledge and skill with,” Cosgrove said. “He’s a smart runner. He follows his blocks, and knows when to take a hit and when not to.”

Cosgrove also is quick to point out the importance of the Bears’ receivers in the downfield blocking scheme.

“You don’t get on the field if you don’t block well,” he said.

UMaine knows if it can run the ball well, its pass game becomes more effective and the Bears can hold onto the ball longer, keeping it out of the hands of their opponents.