CASTINE – Joe Blier didn’t start playing football until he was in the eighth grade.

However, during his development in the Bangor High School program, he learned the importance of hard work in the weight room and on the practice field and intensity during games.

Blier has parlayed that mentality with his love for the game while becoming a fixture in the defensive backfield at Maine Maritime Academy.

This season, Blier is the elder statesman on coach Chris McKenney’s squad, which is hoping to build on back-to-back strong seasons in the New England Football Conference.

The 5-foot-10, 198-pound safety has returned for his fourth season of eligibility after missing 2005 with a knee injury.

“I ended up coming back for a fifth year of school due to changing majors,” said Blier, who is studying international business and logistics. “I’m trying to make up a few classes and graduate this year, and luckily enough I was able to play football.”

MMA and football both have been good fits for Blier, who has built a reputation as a player who isn’t afraid to throw his weight around.

“He’s a hard-hitting kid and he leads by example on the field with his hustle,” McKenney said. “He’s probably not the fastest defensive back, back there trying to cover the deep third, but he’s got good game awareness.”

Blier also has demonstrated versatility and unselfishness. Last season, when the Mariners ran into some injury problems at the linebacker position, he was quick to help fill the void.

“Joe is willing to do what it takes for the team,” McKenney said.

Blier hasn’t experienced any ill effects after the knee injury, which did not require surgery. He credited MMA’s training staff with helping him work his way back to good health.

At Bangor, Blier was an All-Pine Tree Conference second-team defensive back on the Rams’ 2001 Class A state championship squad.

Veteran coach Bruce Morse, who was then an assistant at Bangor and is coaching at MMA, has been among the positive influences in Blier’s career.

“I can’t think of a coach I’ve had that hasn’t helped me out,” Blier said. “Coach Morse has pretty much been with me since Day 1. He’s a great coach and a great guy.”

Part of Blier’s on-field success can be attributed to his commitment to the Mariners’ weight-training program. He learned the basics at Bangor High but has taken it to a new level under the guidance of the MMA staff.

“He has shown a lot of leadership in the weight room during the offseason,” McKenney said. “The kids see how hard he’s worked, so he’s respected.”

Despite his quiet off-field personality, Blier has been a valuable mentor for the younger players in the program. He is always eager to share his knowledge of the weight room.

“He’s the kid in there who’s always helping out, trying to bring the younger kids along,” said McKenney, who remembers seeing Blier in the gym, during the offseason, doing sprints and other extra workouts.

“You’ve got to play for each other and help each other, or you’re not going to get where you want to be,” Blier said.

For Blier, MMA has been the perfect fit both athletically and academically. He has spent each of the last two summers working for Federal Marine Terminals, first in Albany, N.Y., then this summer in Cleveland.

He has been involved in stevedoring, the loading and unloading of ships. He enjoys the challenge, not to mention the experience and the pay.

“It’s the planning, coordinating and loading of ships, trucks, rail cars, a lot of logistical stuff,” Blier said. “It was really good for me.”

Blier said the relationship with Federal Marine Terminals means he likely will have a job when he graduates.

“This school really prepares you,” he said, “and the companies come in and recruit you.”

Before he goes out and joins the work force, Blier has other short-term goals and responsibilities with the Mariners.

“We’re looking to make the next step forward,” Blier said. “In the back of our minds, we’re all thinking it’s time to make that hurdle and get that conference championship, win the [Bogan] Division. But we’re taking it one step at a time.”