|
 Maine Football Continues Spring Practice
April 2, 2005 ORONO, Maine - University of Maine football team completed the second day of spring practices on Saturday morning at Alfond Stadium. The team practiced in helmets for two hours and ten minutes, beating the rain predicted for later in the day. Much of the focus of practice was on fundamentals, while first-and-ten situations were also addressed. "We had high energy and good tempo today," said head coach Jack Cosgrove. "The guys are continuing to work hard and improve. There are a lot of young guys who are getting a lot of work and will need to be counted on in the fall." Despite losing the leading receiver from last season, the Black Bears are returning seven players at the position. Ryan Waller (Chester, Va.) had 29 catches for 356 yards and one touchdown to lead the returning group. Arel Gordon (Rochester, N.Y.) led the team in kickoff returns and was fourth on the team with 24 catches for 276 yards and two touchdowns. Kevin McMahon (Rochester, N.Y.) played in eight games with 14 catches for 161 yards and three touchdowns. Ron Waller (Chester, Va.) and Steve Williams (Scotch Plains, N.J.) both saw time on the field last season, while John Bartemus (East Rochester, N.Y.) and Manzi Pierre (Queens, N.Y.) sat out last season. "I think what we have in our receiving corp this year is a lot of camaraderie because we really don't have any superstars," said Kevin McMahon. "I have played since I was a freshman, but have not had a break-out year. We don't have any superstars and everyone is going out and working hard everyday because all of our receivers can play. Even the freshmen coming in might have an opportunity to play because we have that much in as a formation. Right now we have seven guys out there and everyone is getting a ton of reps. We are going to have guys who might be second or third string that are going to have experience that a starter might have. I think we have a lot more depth at receiver this year, even though we lost two key receivers." The team will have their third practice on Sunday, April 3 at 12:55 pm. For more information about Maine Athletics, please visit www.GoBlackBears.com.
|
