ORONO – Tuesday marked the final opportunity for University of Maine football players to make an impression on the coaching staff during a simulated game situation.

Coach Jack Cosgrove put the Black Bears through their third preseason scrimmage at Alfond Stadium intent on seeing more from the players who are battling to earn spots on the travel squad for UMaine’s Sept. 9 opener at seventh-ranked Youngstown State.

There are numerous players competing for playing time, including returnees with limited game experience and newcomers who will be expected to contribute immediately.

While the projected starters saw limited action, the second-team players went through a more rigorous workout.

“The twos and all the backup guys got a lot of work, 45-50 reps, to help us continue to evaluate their progress,” Cosgrove said.

“We really had a stand-up [no tackling] scrimmage with the ones,” he said. “We had a long drive scripted for them, which they executed, and we had a two-minute series.”

The backup running back position is being hotly contested among three returnees. Teron Allen and redshirt freshman Julian Glenn both got a good look during the scrimmage and sophomore Jerron Pearson also was in the mix.

“We tried to get Julian Glenn and Teron Allen more involved today,” Cosgrove said. “We need somebody to emerge there as a go-to guy at that spot.”

Redshirt freshman Jake Queener (6-5, 280) has earned the nod at right tackle and junior Matt Mulligan of West Enfield, a transfer from Husson College in Bangor, is the starter at tight end.

“Jake’s been as big and as good a surprise as we’ve had in camp,” Cosgrove said.

“Matt’s had limited experience coming from the football factory up in northwest Enfield,” he quipped, “but he’s growing into a guy that can help us win football games.”

Freshmen expected to join the offensive mix right away include wide receivers Desmond Randall and Landis Williams. Speedster Ryan Callahan, another prospect, is out with a thumb injury.

Freshmen Mark Masterson and Jordan Stevens have made an impression on a defense that is deep and experienced up front and a year older in the secondary. Masterson is an inside linebacker while Stevens, a Temple native and Mt. Blue High School product, has worked at both LB spots.

“They’ve gotten a lot of reps and they’re going to be involved in the success of our football team this year,” Cosgrove said.

“Masterson has a great nose for the ball. I think he’s gotten three turnovers in the scrimmages,” he added. Jordan’s going to be a heck of a linebacker for us. He’s a guy we expect to play.”

UMaine also features good competition among its kickers. Kash Kiefer, a sophomore transfer from West Virginia, is pencilled in as the punter.

Among the placekickers, junior Bobby Donnelly of Portland is being challenged by two freshmen, Luigi Sebastiani and Portland’s Devin McNeill.

“Quite frankly, we’re kicking the ball better than I’ve ever seen us [do] around here, across the board, with those guys,” said Cosgrove, who continues to challenge the group in the hope one man will emerge.

Injury mars scrimmage

UMaine was running its last series of the scrimmage Tuesday when an injury brought the proceedings to a halt.

Redshirt freshman defensive tackle Michael Geftic sustained what appeared to be a serious injury to his lower left leg during a pileup while making a tackle on a run play up the middle.

After hearing Geftic’s shouts of pain, the field remained virtually silent until after the UMaine training staff had immobilized the leg and carted Geftic off to be evaluated.