Baumgartner no longer question mark for Maine

ORONO – In August, there was a big question mark next to John Baumgartner’s name.

First, it was unclear whether the junior cornerback’s injured left shoulder was going to be healed in time for the start of the University of Maine football season. And the converted wide receiver, who had seen only spot time in the secondary the previous season, was penciled in as a starter.

Fortunately for the Black Bears, Baumgartner has answered both questions with positive responses. He has adapted capably to his role as a starter and has shaken off the residual effects of offseason surgery to become a dependable cornerback for UMaine.

He and the rest of the Bears’ defense will be severely tested Saturday in a crucial Atlantic 10 game against second-ranked and unbeaten Delaware.

“He’s not the fastest kid we’ve got; he’s not the biggest; but he certainly has a great approach to the game, a great attitude and great instincts,” said UMaine coach Jack Cosgrove. “He’s really been an incredibly important piece of our success this season.”

In August, there were no guarantees Baumgartner would be ready to play. He underwent surgery in June to repair a shoulder injury, then spent all of July with his left arm in a sling, letting the shoulder heal.

“As we went into August, we started to strengthen it up,” Baumgartner said of his work with UMaine head trainer Paul Culina. “I spent six days a week rehabbing.”

When he reported to preseason camp, Baumgartner was participating, but he was held out of all contact drills and wore a red “penny” over his practice jersey, identifying him as a player who shouldn’t be taking hits.

Meanwhile, the two players in front of him on the depth chart were also recovering from shoulder surgery. Both were forced to sit out the season.

For Baumgartner, their misfortune opened the door for him to be a starter.

“I knew the situation, so I knew this had to be a breakout year for me,” said the 5-foot-11, 175-pounder from Carteret, N.J., who would wind up playing opposite true freshman Manauris Arias at the other cornerback spot.

UMaine has only one other player with experience at cornerback.

“I had to rehab and suck it up a little bit through the pain,” said Baumgartner, who wears a brace to help protect the shoulder from further injury.

Baumgartner has been steady. He has registered 17 tackles, broken up four passes, made an interception and recovered a fumble.

“John, to his credit, has been an extremely hard worker,” Cosgrove said. “We are certainly thin at that position and he’s been very consistent and played well for us.”

There have been many challenges for Baumgartner, who knows opponents tried to pick on him and Arias, especially earlier in the season, because of their inexperience. He also has been operating 10-12 pounds below his usual playing weight, since he wasn’t able to lift weights with the bad shoulder.

Baumgartner also has had to make some adjustments in his tackling approach, aiming to hit opponents lower and avoid bone-jarring hits on his shoulder. But he wouldn’t trade the opportunity.

With every play, he has gained confidence.

“I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to prove myself,” Baumgartner said. “It’s a great feeling knowing that the other 10 guys are relying on you. You never want to let down your teammates.”