UMaine Nabs First Recruit

The CMSB has learned that the University of Maine football team got their first verbal commitment this week from defensive end Michael Cole of North Brunswick, New Jersey. He was on the radar for much of the Big East, including Rutgers, UConn, South Florida, and Pitt, and was also on other CAA school’s radars as well, but Maine won out. He was ranked in the Top 100 Defensive ends in the country by ESPN’s scouting service. Signing day is Feb 4th.

You can find more on the 6’3, 270 pounder here and here

Update 10:14 a.m. Fri: Northeastern has offered Cole a scholarship as well, but Cole will stay with UMaine

Stay tuned to the CMSB for updates.

Big East Blitz

Syracuse: Well, they got the man they wanted…maybe. Doug Marrone is the new Head Coach. But some are not too happy about the hire.

South Florida: The St. Pete Bowl is a few days away, and the talk isn’t about the offense or defense…it’s about those damn catwalks at the Trop! Will a punt hit one?

Rutgers: The football team turned their season around, but the athletic program is still a mess. The cash-strapped department has approved scaled-down improvements to the stadium.

UConn: Great news for the Huskies and the Big East, as star RB Donald Brown has opted to stay in school. Brown was the Offensive Player of the Year in the Big East this season.

West Virginia: Interesting article about how WVU and their Bowl foe UNC share a common bond of slander directed from Hollywood. Gotta love the movies!

Pitt: The “Self-Made All-American”…that’s what they’re calling Scott McKillop. He was selected to the FWAA’s Annual All-American Team. A great story, for a very hard-working individual.

Louisville: It was a big weekend recruiting for the Cards. Three committed Sunday, including Juco QB Adam Froman. He threw for 40 TD’s last season.

Cincinnati: The ‘Cats should consider themselves lucky that Brian Kelly is still the coach. Another accolade for Kelly yesterday, as he was named the Sporting News Big East Coach of the Year.

The Season Never Ends!

The games may have finished, but the season is heating up. You’re probably asking what the hell is wrong with me? I’m serious though…it’s recruiting time baby!

I have been addicted to recruiting for about six years now. Not a day goes by without me checking scout.com or rivals.com to see what is new with my Mountaineers. And now UMaine fans can have a sneak peak as well. ESPN.com has really jumped into recruiting, with prospect updates for both the FBS and FCS. So sure enough, there is a section for the Black Bears.

The one thing to remember with recruiting is that nobody is a guarantee. I have seen five-star recruits fizzle out, while FCS kids continue to reach the NFL. However, kids are rated for a reason, and many do live up to the potential.

So, again…if you want to follow a partial list for UMaine, here is the link. You may have to click the considering box.