ORONO – From the moment Mike Brusko first stepped onto the field as a fourth grader, he was a quarterback.

As the son of a former high school QB and a football coach, it seemed natural Brusko would line up behind center.

“I think the way my dad would tell it was, I always wanted to throw the ball,” he explained. “He coached me when I was younger, gave me the fundamentals.”

Even with that kind of background and guidance, Brusko wasn’t pampered by his father, Mike, who taught his son the value of determination.

“My dad always said, if you’re going to do it, do it the right way. Work hard,” Brusko said.

The younger Brusko’s hard work appears to have paid off. Tonight, he’ll lead the University of Maine offense onto the field for the Black Bears’ 6 p.m. season opener against Monmouth at Alfond Stadium.

“I think that’s the reason I am where I am, because my dad forced me to work for everything I was going to earn and to do it the right way,” said the 6-foot-3, 215-pounder from Zionsville, Pa.

The sophomore, beat out redshirt freshman Adam Farkes for the starting job.

“I can’t wait. It should be special,” Brusko said of the opener. “It’s something I’ve been looking forward to for a really long time, so I’ve just got to go out and make the most of it.”

Brusko has spent two years in the program. He saw limited action in 2006, but admitted it has been a long road.

Coming out of Emmaus High School, with an enrollment of some 2,700 students, Brusko had pretty good credentials. He also was offered scholarships by Colonial Athletic Association members New Hampshire and William & Mary.

And while there was no instant gratification when he arrived at UMaine, Brusko has heeded his father’s advice about not expecting anything to be handed to him.

“It can be a very humbling experience, which isn’t always a bad thing,” Brusko said of his two seasons in training.

Brusko’s ability to keep things in perspective should be beneficial as he directs the Bears’ spread offense. He already appears already to have gained the confidence of his teammates and coaches.

“Mike’s a total-package guy, just a good leader,” said senior offensive tackle Shawn Demaray of Livermore Falls. “When he talks, people listen. That’s almost as important as being a good athlete in getting things done.”

Brusko also was an outstanding high school basketball player. He credits that experience with improving his agility and quickness, two skills he will need playing quarterback.

UMaine head coach Jack Cosgrove said Brusko must be like a point guard in making sound decisions and distributing the ball.

“He’s a very good athlete,” Cosgrove said. “It’s going to be important for him to trust his instincts and to make the right decisions when confronted with run-pass options.”

Brusko is big, strong and mobile. He should be a threat both running with the ball and throwing it.

“With me, it might not always be the prettiest thing, but if I can get it done, I’m going to do it in whatever way I possibly can,” said Brusko, who believes his limited game experience last season helped him adjust to the speed of the college game.

He also benefited from seeing the commitment of his predecessor, Ron Whitcomb, analyzing film to learn opponents’ tendencies and his own skills.

And Brusko is no prima donna. He enjoys the physical aspect of the game.

“I’ve always liked to think of myself as a football player that just happens to be a quarterback,” he said. “I don’t mind hitting people.”

Cosgrove has been impressed with Brusko’s effort and his demeanor.

“He’s a leader in the locker room, on the field, around the campus,” Cosgrove said. “We see our players gravitate toward him. We’re hopeful that those components, those intangibles that he possesses, are going to add to his abilities as a quarterback.”

Brusko realizes there is still a significant learning curve for his football career. But he plans to enjoy making his first start.

“I think naturally there’s going to be some nervousness. The excitement is obviously there,” Brusko said. “Hopefully, I can find a little balance between the two.”