ORONO – Nothing is more important to Justin Roberts than family.

Whether it’s his mom, dad and sisters in West Milford, N.J., or his football “brothers” at the University of Maine, Roberts takes great pride in representing both families.

This fall, the 6-foot-3, 277-pound senior is the veteran presence on an up-and-coming offensive line that will try to pave the way to victory Saturday in the Black Bears’ 2 p.m. home opener against Shaw University at Alfond Stadium.

Roberts, a dean’s list student who is majoring in business, has excelled on and off the field.

“He models all the things that you’d want in terms of being a student-athlete at the university,” said UMaine coach Jack Cosgrove. “He’s a great representative of our program.”

Roberts has gradually worked his way into a starting role. He has gone from redshirting as a freshman in 2002 to playing four games in 2003, seven in 2004 and then making six starts among 10 appearances a year ago.

“You’ve got to prove yourself,” Roberts said. “You do what’s expected of you. You work hard in the weight room, you work hard in the classroom and eventually that shot comes to you.”

He’s quick to point to the example provided by his parents, Douglas and Alexis, in helping him form a solid work ethic.

“My dad’s a great man and an unbelievable person,” Roberts said. “He pushes me to be the best.

“My mom is always telling me, you work hard day in and day out; it may not pay out tomorrow or next week, but one day it will pay out.”

Roberts has encountered many challenges on his way to becoming a starter. He suffered a shoulder injury as a sophomore that plagued him during the season and required surgery. But Roberts battled back.

After missing spring workouts in 2005, Roberts demonstrated his versatility while playing both of the guard spots last fall. In the season finale at New Hampshire, he suffered a knee injury that led to offseason surgery and again kept him out of spring practice.

“He’s our only senior in the O-line, so he’s been through a lot of battles,” Cosgrove said. “He’s been through highs and lows, both personal and team-wise.”

In spite of the drudgery of rehabilitation, Roberts had plenty of support.

“I had unbelievable family behind me, a great supporting cast, and great friends,” Roberts said. “They believed in me and inspired me and always followed me. It’s a good feeling when you’ve got a lot of people pulling for you.”

Roberts’ knee healed well and he is thrilled to be back on the field, although he realizes the fleeting nature of the game.

“I’m not going to run out on the field too many more times with [classmates] Ron [Whitcomb] and Arel [Gordon],” Roberts said. “We’ve got a lot of football left to play, but you want to treasure those things.”

Roberts said the members of the offensive line must not only play cohesively but must have a high level of trust in each other’s abilities if they hope to be successful. Like family members, they don’t want to let each other down.

“It’s a really prideful position,” he said.

Perhaps the most rewarding part of Roberts’ UMaine career has been sharing it with his family including younger sisters Danielle and Amanda. Last year’s game at Nebraska was among the highlights.

“I would say his family has been one of the most supportive families that I’ve seen during my time at Maine and it’s a neat thing,” Cosgrove said.

While football occupies much of Roberts’ time and energy, he is preparing for his future. He has begun applying to postgraduate premedical programs in the hope of pursuing going to medical school.

“My dream is to become a doctor,” said Roberts, whose parents both work in pharmaceuticals. “I’m always up for a challenge and it’s really exciting because it’s the next chapter of your life.”

Roberts takes comfort in knowing his family will be there to support him.