Wormuth leads with intensity ‘Johnny Football’ sparks Bears’ defense

ORONO – The day after its season-opening football victory over Monmouth, the University of Maine gathered for a team meeting. The mood was laid back and some players joked around with each other.

“I stood up in front of everyone, screaming,” admitted senior tri-captain John Wormuth, who told his teammates, “We won one game against a team that’s not a powerhouse. We can’t settle [for that].”

Wormuth’s intensity, intelligence and talent helped the Black Bears field one of the most formidable defenses in the Football Championship Subdivision last season.

Coach Jack Cosgrove is confident Wormuth again will be a pivotal cog in the UMaine defense as the Bears begin their quest for the Colonial Athletic Association title in Saturday’s 6 p.m. game at Villanova (Pa.).

“His leadership qualities are as good as anybody I’ve been around,” Cosgrove said. “He has a way of getting a message to the guys on the defense of the importance of the moment, whether it’s in practice or in a game. He commands respect.”

Football is a way of life for Wormuth, a 6-foot-1, 215-pound inside linebacker from Childs, Pa. His enthusiasm for the game and commitment to the team have earned him the nickname “Johnny Football.”

Wormuth said since acquiring the moniker from Cosgrove three years ago, it has evolved. Most teammates don’t address him as John. They simply call him “Football.”

“He has the nickname because he loves football,” Cosgrove said. “You can see how important it is to him. He practices and plays with a real passion for the game.”

Last season, the All-Atlantic 10 third-team selection ranked second on the team with 63 tackles. He has started 24 consecutive games.

Wormuth has many responsibilities. He has to be a run-stopper and blitzer, but also must be able to cover speedy running backs on pass routes.

And while he needs brute strength to shed oncoming offensive linemen and make tackles, Wormuth has dropped weight this season and worked on other skills.

“Watching film from the past years, I was missing plays by a step or two,” Wormuth said. “I tried to improve my footwork and get better at that in the open field and covering guys.”

Equally important to the success of the Bears’ defense is Wormuth’s ability to call out the proper alignments. He must put his teammates in the right positions to make plays.

“You can’t just be a meathead, a big, strong tough guy,” Wormuth said. You need to be like that in some aspects, but I’d say the No. 1 thing you have to be is smart.”

Cosgrove said Wormuth is the consummate spokesperson for the defense, serving as the “quarterback” of the unit while setting the line and secondary.

“I demand the best out of everyone, especially the guys on the defense,” Wormuth said.

He acquired some of his critical nature from former UMaine linebacker Jermaine Walker, who is now an assistant coach with the Bears.

“John doesn’t like excuses,” Cosgrove said. “He’s kind of the overseer that things get done. He has a great mind for the game.”

Wormuth’s high standards have earned him considerable respect. This season, he was honored when former teammate Daren Stone, now with the Atlanta Falcons, “willed” him the coveted No. 4 jersey.

That number has been passed down from the likes of All-America safety Aaron Dashiell (1999) to current NFL players Stephen Cooper, Brandon McGowan and Stone.

“It’s a big deal around here. I was honored,” Wormuth said.

Wormuth began playing midget football in second grade. He credits his father Douglas with getting him to practices and coaching him over the years. He said his father, and mother Jean, never pressured him to play and instead allowed him to make his own decisions.

Wormuth also credits his cousin Joe Tuzze with helping push him to improve as they grew up playing football together. Tuzze is the starting fullback at Akron.

Wormuth is on schedule to earn his degree in kinesiology and physical education in May. Before he puts that to use, likely as a personal trainer, he hopes to take a shot at playing professionally.

“It’s definitely inspiring to try and play in the NFL or play football somewhere to make money doing what I love,” he said.