Image courtesy of Maine Athletics

The Maine Black Bears opened training camp on Wednesday and the hope is that Jordan Stevens team can turn things around and get the program back on track.

According to Stevens in last week’s CAA Media Day, the best way for the Black Bears to do that is to play traditional Maine football. They need to run the football and play fast and physical on defense. 

 “I want our identity to show up on film. We need to be more balanced on offense. We need a run game that can be sustainable throughout the season. You are going to see a committed approach to running the football.” Stevens continued: “Defensively, we want to play Black Hole defense. It is a commonality amongst our players. We have found and developed the right players.” 

Maine will have to return to their roots with a lot of new faces. Turnover is a way of life in college football today so it not unheard of to several new faces. Stevens is excited about the new faces that have entered the program. The Black Bears have a good blend of youth and senior leadership. 

“I think we have a lot of young players, we have the right players and we have the senior leadership on our defense.”

Offensively, the Black Bears will be counting on a strong skill group that features redshirt senior running back Tavion Banks, graduate wide receiver Joe Gillette, senior Montigo Moss and graduate tight end Cooper Heisey.

Quarterback and offensive line will be the two areas offensive where the Black Bears will have a lot of competition. Graduate Mercer transfer Carter Peevy and senior Anthony Harris appear to be the front runners early in camp to start. Sophomore Caden Drezek will also be in the mix. 

The offensive line will also feature several new faces. Joe Horn returns at center after starting 11 games last season. Lafeyette transfer John Olmstead is a player to watch at offensive tackle. 

Defensively, the Black Bears will be counting on their front seven to set the tone. Defensive end Xavier Holmes and defensive tackles John Costanza and Izaiah Henderson will spearhead what could be a very good pass rush. Maine will have some new faces in the back seven but there is talent. Transfer cornerbacks Isaiah Watson and Dorian Blackwell are among the players to watch.

Stevens will always stress a lunch pale mentality. He believes in playing physical football and playing with an edge. The hope that this team will play that way and turn things around for this once proud program.

Stevens likes what he has seen and the direction of the program.

“Just looking at this team here, really, it started back in January…we’ve made a ton of progress. Really proud of the players and coaches for all the work they’ve put on. We’ve made some really strong additions to our team and developed the leadership within our team as well. Looking at this season, I think we have a very challenging schedule, one that we’re going to take head on. Excited about the opponents, we always play a challenging non-conference schedule. That’s something we embrace. We want to play the best. We want to compete against the best. So, we have high expectations in terms of what we can do. I believe in these players and these coaches and this university. We’re progressing and we’re on the rise. These guys have been working hard and everything is out in front of us, but we’ve got to go do it now.”

The Black Bears kickoff the season on Friday August 30th at home against Colgate.