ORONO – Two years ago, Brian Mann sat down with University of Maine football coach Jack Cosgrove to discuss his future.

Cosgrove questioned whether Mann was reaching his full potential. The young man from Fairport, N.Y., responded to the challenge.

Mann worked harder during the offseason and spent the last two summers in Orono training with many of his Black Bear teammates. As a result, the fifth-year senior has moved into a starting role at defensive end.

“He and I had a discussion that perhaps he wasn’t achieving at the level that he should and we needed him to make kind of a change in how he was going about his business,” Cosgrove said.

Mann, whose playing time has increased significantly over the last two years, wanted to make the best of his last two seasons at UMaine. Saturday, he’ll play his final game at Alfond Stadium when the Bears face No. 13 Villanova at 3 p.m.

“I’m pretty pleased at how I’ve progressed,” said the 6-foot-1, 228-pounder. “I’ve just been hardworking. I’d say probably the biggest difference for me was staying up here these past two summers. I got a lot stronger and faster, and those are things that I needed to work on to be able to play [more].”

Mann has been a solid performer up front on a UMaine defense that leads the Atlantic 10 in total defense (291 yards per game). He has registered 18 tackles, including two sacks, and has recovered a fumble.

Mann, like many of the Bears’ recent outstanding defensive ends, began his career as an inside linebacker.

“You try to beat [opponents] any way you can,” Mann said. “I’m not the fastest guy on the field, I’m not the strongest, but I use my knowledge of the game and where I’m supposed to fit.”

Cosgrove acknowledged UMaine’s defensive scheme takes 11 players who know how to do their respective jobs.

“He’s not our flashiest performer by any means, but he’s certainly a very steady performer,” Cosgrove said. “He’s playing his role in a team defense. That’s the reason we’re the No. 1-ranked defense in the conference, guys like him who have done their job in a quiet, steady way.”

Mann chose UMaine over the University of Buffalo. He sensed the Bears had great team chemistry and commitment that would lead to success.

“I think that’s what makes a good team is when the guys stick together,” said Mann, who is one of six, fifth-year players.

He is proud of the commitment shown by that group.

“It wasn’t an easy track for all of us, but we all managed to stick it out and work together,” Mann said. “It’s been a great fit. I’m glad I came here.”

Mann will leave UMaine with a degree in kinesiology and physical education and a minor in business. His career plans could include sales, or even teaching and coaching.

“My options are open,” said Mann, who wants to help the Bears finish strong this season.

“If we win the next two games and a couple teams lose in the conference, we’re good enough to make it to playoffs,” he said. “We’re not giving up yet.”