This year’s senior class has played a major role in the success of the University of Maine football team during the last four seasons.

Going into Saturday’s game against traditional border rival New Hampshire, the No. 22 Black Bears have compiled a 23-21 overall record during the careers of this year’s 12 seniors.

The group includes a record-setting quarterback, the fastest player in program history, two All-America candidates on the defensive line and a pro prospect in the secondary.

More importantly, the contingent provided experience, motivation and character to help the Bears rebound from a tough start in 2005 to become a conference contender this fall.

“These guys get it,” said UMaine coach Jack Cosgrove. “They understand what it takes to be successful. It’s not just about playing on Saturday. It’s about preparation, it’s about your presentation, it’s about teamwork and respect for themselves and their opponents.”

This season, UMaine’s defense has ridden the play of senior co-captains Mike DeVito and Matt King to one of its best seasons in recent memory. The Bears lead Division I-AA in total defense, giving up 227.9 yards per game and they rank second in rushing defense (60.9 ypg), third in sacks (3.6 per game), fourth in tackles for a loss (8.0 per game) and sixth in scoring defense (12.5 ppg).

“They’re as good as we’ve ever had here at those positions,” Cosgrove said.

“They not only are they great players, they’re captains and leaders and they’ve done a tremendous job of that as well,” he added.

DeVito is a three-year starter who is considered the top defensive tackle in the Atlantic 10. This season, he has made 27 tackles, including 101/2 for negative yardage, with seven of those being quarterback sacks.

“He creates chaos and havoc,” Cosgrove said.

King, who is having a career season after missing most of 2005 with finger injuries, has kept the heat on opposing quarterbacks. He ranks second in I-AA with 1.05 sacks per game and is fourth nationally while averaging 1.8 tackles for a loss. King is tied for second on the squad with 57 tackles.

He needs three sacks against UNH to surpass Todd Williamson’s UM season record of 13.

“He’s had an All-American type of year,” Cosgrove said.

Strong safety Daren Stone and cornerback Manauris Arias are the other senior defensive starters, while Alex Goyins has excelled in passing situations. Joe Vanidestine of Bangor has been a dependable backup safety.

Stone made the move to strong safety after playing cornerback a year ago and free safety prior to that. His combination of speed and strength have helped him make 44 tackles (71/2 for a loss). He also has made 10 career interceptions.

“Daren’s had a very productive year for us in the secondary. He’s made a lot of big plays,” Cosgrove said.

Arias has been a steady pass defender despite giving away several inches to many of the receivers he covers. He has 30 tackles and an interception this season. Goyins earned a reputation as the Bears’ special teams catalyst (four career blocked kicks), but also has made his presence felt in the secondary. He has been in on 26 tackles.

“People don’t give [Arias] enough credit. He’s played in 42 [of a possible] 43 games,” Cosgrove said.

Three starters will make their final starts for UMaine against the Wildcats. Quarterback Ron Whitcomb already owns the Bears’ career marks for completions (727), touchdown passes (67), pass attempts (1,239) and total offense (8,537 yards).

He also is tied for the career record with 43 interceptions.

“Ronny has the quarterback records that he’s achieved, but even more important is the leadership role that he’s embraced, the modeling that he’s done for us as a student-athlete,” Cosgrove said.

Gordon has taken advantage of his speed, toughness and elusiveness to give the Bears a serious receiving and running threat. This fall, he leads the team in rushing (823 yards), receiving (46 receptions, 435 yards) and scoring (seven TDs).

Gordon’s 4.37-second, 40-yard dash is the fastest time in program history. He is seventh on UMaine’s career receptions list with 141.

“He’s a dynamic football player and pound-for-pound one of the toughest players I’ve ever been around,” Cosgrove said.

Offensive guard Justin Roberts is closing out his career with an efficient season at left guard. He has anchored a unit that has made the transformation to the spread offense.

“He had to overcome an injury to be ready to go and he still came back and had his best season as a senior,” Cosgrove said.

Two other seniors have provided stability and depth in their roles as backups. Wide receiver Steve Williams worked his way into the rotation, while fullback Ken Henry has been a regular on special teams.

Eric Ouellette of Biddeford ended his playing career this fall to serve as a student assistant coach.

While UMaine didn’t achieve its goal of an Atlantic 10 title or an NCAA postseason berth during the careers of this year’s 12 seniors, the well-rounded group appears to have laid the groundwork for that to happen again in the near future.