ORONO – Stephen Cooper’s presence in the middle of the University of Maine defense is a big reason the Black Bears are headed to the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs for a second straight season.

Cooper’s impact is so significant that the senior from Wareham, Mass., has been named the Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year for the second straight season.

Cooper, only the third player in A-10 history to win the award twice, was among three UMaine players named to the all-conference first-team defense. He is joined by senior free safety Dave Cusano and junior end Dennis Dottin-Carter. Coach Jack Cosgrove’s Bears landed also end Brendan Curry on the second-team defense.

UMaine was not represented on the All-Atlantic 10 offensive first team, but sophomore tailback Marcus Williams, junior guard Pete Richardson of Millinocket and junior tackle Matt Hammond were second-team picks. Senior quarterback Jake Eaton was named to the third team.

Quarterback Brett Gordon of Villanova was named the conference offensive player of the year, Massachusetts tailback R.J. Cobbs was the rookie of the year and Don Brown of A-10 co-champion Northeastern claimed coach of the year honors.

Cooper won over the coaches again, despite missing two games late in the season with an ankle injury. The 6-foot-1, 220-pounder was in on 97 tackles, including 7.5 sacks, and made three interceptions.

“I think he’s got great physical skills,” Cosgrove said. He can run. He’s got great agility. He’s very strong. He’s developed the mental aspect of things.”

Cooper is known for his attacking style, his strength, his speed and his ability to singlehandedly change the tone of a game.

Cusano has been a fixture at safety for the Bears for the last three seasons. The 5-9, 195-pounder from Wallingford, Conn., posted 62 tackles and made three interceptions while directing UMaine’s secondary.

“It’s good to see that kid get his deserved recognition,” Cosgrove said. “He’s been a great leader back there and a great role model for our defensive backs.”

Dottin-Carter has earned a reputation as one of the A-10’s best pass rushers. The 6-0, 243-pound junior from Cambridge, Mass., was in on 37 tackles, racking up 9.5 quarterback sacks.

“He’s been an impact player for us up front,” said Cosgrove, pointing to Dottin-Carter’s quickness as a key attribute.

Curry, a senior from Braintree, Mass., made 42 tackles and four sacks.

“He has a high energy level, is a very physical player and is a great leader on our defense,” Cosgrove said.

On the offensive side, Williams emerged as the durable power tailback the Bears needed. The 5-10, 216-pounder from Amherst, Mass., became the seventh UMaine player to rush for 1,000 yards in a season, netting 1,136 yards and 6 TDs on 211 carries.

“He’s done a nice job for us, is a very consistent player,” Cosgrove said. “I was disappointed he didn’t get even further recognized [on the first team].”

Richardson (6-5, 310) and Hammond, a 6-4, 292-pounder from Elmira, N.Y., anchored one side of UMaine’s offensive line. They were there to spearhead a solid run game.

“I’m pleased for both of those guys,” Cosgrove said. “They certainly have done a great job working side by side all year long.”

Eaton was an all-conference pick after turning in another well-rounded season for the Bears. The 6-1, 212-pounder from Rutland, Vt., completed 154 of 269 passes for 1,849 yards and 16 touchdowns.

“This is the first year he’s even been recognized on the all-conference team,” Cosgrove pointed out. “It’s long overdue. I think what he’s done for us is extraordinary.”