ORONO – Agean Robinson was projected to go into the 2003 season as a starting inside linebacker for the University of Maine football team.

One year later, the senior from Albany, N.Y., has finally achieved that status. He looks to show off his skills during today’s 2 p.m. Homecoming game against Northeastern at Alfond Stadium.

Robinson, whose progress was slowed severely by an ankle injury sustained during the summer of 2003, is a key member of the “Black Hole” defense this season.

Robinson, a 6-foot-1, 228-pounder, ranks fifth on the team with 38 tackles, including 17 solo stops. He has broken up three passes, forced a fumble, and recovered two fumbles.

Robinson is enjoying his role as a UMaine mainstay.

“I’m just really excited about the opportunity I have to play this year,” Robinson said. “I’m just trying to make the most of it, trying to get better every week, to help the team win.”

It has been a somewhat frustrating wait to get back into the lineup full time.

Robinson had been expected to start role last season, but sprained his ankle while playing basketball during the summer. The injury turned into a nagging problem that forced him to miss preseason camp and the first three games of the 2003 season.

“I haven’t played basketball since,” said the former standout at Albany Academy. “I thought last year was going to be the year, but that happened.”

The injury meant Robinson, who had started two games as a sophomore in 2002, was relegated to backup status. It made for a long, frustrating year.

“Once you get hurt, everything is that much worse,” he said. “You feel like the whole world’s coming down on you.”

Robinson accepted his role and kept working hard. Now, he’s taking advantage of his last season of college football.

“I felt like I was physically ready by probably the third game of the season,” he said. “It was kind of tough.”

Robinson was recruited by UMaine after former high school teammate and childhood friend Malik Nichols had played three years for the Black Bears. He was anxious to take on the challenge of Division I-AA ball after being recruited by the likes of SUNY Albany, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and Union.

“When I came here I enjoyed the closeness of the team,” Robinson said. “Other teams seemed to be more individualistic. Here everybody was more of a team, hung out together, ate together, stuff like that.”

Robinson worked extra hard in preparation for his senior season. He trained during the summer with his brother, Raymond Russell, realizing it was his last chance.

Now, with only five games left, Robinson is trying to enjoy the ride.

“I’m really driven,” he said. “I don’t want it to end.”

The sociology major said he doesn’t have any definitive plans after graduation but is hoping he might get a shot to play football someplace.