The University of Maine football program has compiled one of the largest recruiting classes in recent memory.

While the number of prospects committing to the Black Bears is relatively small (12), they are a substantial group.

Coach Jack Cosgrove announced UMaine’s list of 2004 recruits on Wednesday, the first day of the National Letter of Intent signing period. The Bears went after plenty of size, acquiring five defensive linemen and four offensive linemen among the 12 who committed.

That group averages better than 6-foot-3 and 262 pounds, with three defensive ends included in the mix.

“Although a smaller group than usual, we are excited about the quality of the student-athletes, especially those in the ‘big man’ category,” Cosgrove said.

The big men include Christopher Arnao, a 6-6, 300-pound offensive lineman from Newtown, Pa., DT Bryan Grier (6-1, 320) of Bloomfield, Conn., DT Reginald Paramoure (6-1, 255) of Hamilton, N.J., OL Christopher Parcells (6-6, 280) of Short Hills, N.J., and OL Nabil Salim (6-3, 275) from Union City, N.J.

UMaine also welcomes three former Maine high school standouts in linebacker Derek Runnells of Vassalboro and Winslow High School (6-1, 210), defensive end Rob Sampson of Portland and Deering High (6-3, 230) and walk-on Dan Worthley of Norridgewock and Skowhegan High, a 6-4, 260-pound offensive tackle.

The other defensive ends are Matthew Keahon (6-4, 220) of Onagh, Ga., and John Wormuth (6-2, 220) of Childs, Pa.

The Bears also will welcome tailback Keien Williams (5-10, 205) of Eden, N.Y., the 2003 New York State small-school champion in the 100 meters, and free safety Dashon Fooks (6-0, 175) of Camden, N.J.

“We are very pleased with the group of young men that have committed to the University of Maine,” Cosgrove said. “There’s no question that our recent run of on-field success brought a tremendous amount of attention to our program.”

After winning back-to-back Atlantic 10 titles and making consecutive trips to the NCAA national quarterfinals, UMaine went 7-5 overall and 5-4 in the A-10 last season.

Parcells is the brother of UMaine freshman tight end Craig Parcells and both are the nephews of Dallas Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells.

Runnells was the Pine Tree Conference Class B Player of the Year for coach Mike Siviski’s Black Raiders. He played both defensive end and fullback, rushing for more than 1,000 yards.

Sampson, an All-Southern Maine Activities Association pick and a two-time all-state selection, played tight end and defensive end while leading Deering to the Class A state championship.

Worthley showed great promise last season as a two-way tackle at Skowhegan for coach Bob LeCours, despite having missed his sophomore and junior seasons because of a back ailment. He was a PTC All-Academic choice.

Cosgrove also lauded the efforts of his assistant coaches in the recruiting process and thanked the UMaine administration, staff and community for their support in helping win over the recruits.

All NLI signings are contingent upon admission to UMaine and compliance with NCAA initial eligibility guidelines. Additional letters may be received later in the signing period.