UM’s quarterbacking job remains unfilled Brusko, Farkes strong candidates for Black Bears

ORONO – It was sunny and warm Friday afternoon on the aging Morse Field AstroTurf at Alfond Stadium, but neither Mike Brusko nor Adam Farkes even broke a sweat.

Those who follow University of Maine football might take that as a sign that whichever young man earns the starting quarterback job, he’ll be cool under pressure.

During the next two weeks, University of Maine coach Jack Cosgrove, himself a former UMaine quarterback, and his staff will have to decide who will lead the Black Bears onto the field for their Sept. 1 opener against Monmouth.

“The quarterback, in this game, is the difference-maker,” Cosgrove said Friday during UMaine’s annual media day gathering. “The reason teams are champions is generally because they have a guy behind center who, when those [key] situations come up, makes the right decision and physically makes the play.”

Cosgrove remains unfazed about the prospect of deciding whether Brusko, a third-year player, or Adam Farkes, a redshirt freshman, is the right man for the job.

“I always say, the sooner you make decisions the better, but decisions always need to run the course of time,” Cosgrove said. “What’ll happen is, it’ll smack me right in the face. I think we’ll know.”

UMaine has primarily utilized the talents of four quarterbacks during the last 16 seasons. Ron Whitcomb ended his four-year stint last fall as the program’s all-time leader in pass completions (755) and attempts (1,276).

He was preceded by Jake Eaton (1999-2002), Mickey Fein (1995-98) and Emilio Colon (1991-94). While a handful of other QBs saw limited action, each member of that quartet ranks in the top five at UMaine in career passing yards.

As the first week of camp ends today, neither Farkes, of Boston, nor Brusko, who hails from Zionsville, Pa., has had much time to think about team history. Each is working diligently to become the next man to hold that coveted position.

“We both know that there’s a big competition out there and there’s a lot of eyes on us, but we have to just get better each and every day,” said Farkes, who scrambled around a question about the specific strengths of each quarterback.

“I think that we both bring different qualities to the table, different skills,” Farkes said. “Together, we’re just trying to make each other better and the competition’s going to do that.”

UMaine’s spread-based offense requires a QB who can run and throw the football. Brusko appears to be a bit bigger and stronger running the ball, while Farkes has an edge with a strong arm.

“Both of them are excellent athletes. Both of them can run,” Cosgrove said. “There’s a battle there, because they each have their strengths.”

While acknowledging the physical challenges, Brusko is quick to discuss the other important aspect of the position.

“I think more of the competition right now is the mental than physical,” said Brusko, who saw limited action in all 11 games last season.

“We’re getting a lot of our new plays installed, so it’s a very mentally demanding,” he added. “We have to maintain a mental sharpness as well as being physically accurate and all those things that come along with the position.”

The staff likely will wait at least another week before the starter is chosen. He explained the importance of scrutinizing both players during practices, including two intrasquad scrimmages scheduled for next Monday and Friday.

Brusko, who has two seasons under his belt, has impressed during camp with his ability to manage the offensive unit.

“Michael’s experience is showing. He’s been in games ere in the A-10 [now the Colonial Athletic Association],” Cosgrove said. “He’s been very efficient, I think, for the most part, at running our offense.”

Farkes, has spent more time settling in and becoming comfortable with the offense.

“Adam, at times, is a little more chaotic,” Cosgrove said. “It always seems like his pants are on fire, but he’s done a lot of good things as well.”

Still, Farkes has shown promise with his throwing, while Brusko has struggled a bit as a passer.

“Throwing the football, I think Adam has been very good at times,” Cosgrove said. “We’d like to see him be more consistent.”

Other members of the offense are hesitant to single out a favorite in the QB duel.

“We’re going to be fine with either one of them. They’re both exceptional players,” said senior tight end Matt Mulligan of West Enfield.

“As far as we’re concerned on offense, it takes 11 [players], so one guy really can’t do it. We all have to do it together.”