Belcher Runner-Up For Buchanan

Eastern Washington’s Greg Peach won the Buck Buchanan Award as the top defensive player in FCS. UMaine’s Jovan Belcher was the runner-up. Congrats to the winner and everyone who was nominated.

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.

UMaine Loses QB

UMaine Quarterback Adam Farkes is leaving the program for personal reasons. That’s according to the Portland Press Herald, who site a University Press Statement.

Farkes started the 2008 year as the starter, before injuring his shoulder in October in a win against Delaware. He had 9 TD’s and 6 picks before the season-ending injury. There was a very good chance he would be the starter in 2009.

Mike Brusko is the obvious choice to be next season’s number one. He led the Bears into the playoffs following Farkes‘ injury. He doesn’t have the best arm, but is a serious competitor.

It may also give Chris Treister a chance. Treister, who played at Portland High, has three more years of eligibility, and will get a true opportunity if Brusko struggles in the pocket. Don’t count out Jack Cosgrove recruiting a young athlete as well.

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.

Matty on the PM Jab

The EIC, Matty, was on the PM Jab today talking UMaine football and the BCS. Listen below.

We Will Have a Correspondent in Cedar Falls!

Ladies and gentlemen, the Central Maine Sports Blog will have a live correspondent with the UMaine football team at Northern Iowa. Danks will be heading out with the team on Friday morning and will be our eyes and ears in Cedar Falls. This also means we will have a live blog from Cedar Falls on Saturday evening. Oh yes, the Central Maine Sports Blog is going places. Even if it is Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Not So Fast! UMaine In the 2008 FCS Playoffs!

The UMaine Black Bears, ranked 20th in the sports network poll, have been selected to play in the FCS Playoffs. The chances were thought long at best, as a loss to UNH yesterday looked like it put the Bears out of the running, but apparently the selection committee was impressed with UMaine’s schedule. Coach Jack Cosgrove was asked after the game Saturday if the officiating cost his team a playoff spot, and he said,”I believe these things balance out, it always does.” Well, it balanced out today. UMaine will play 10-2 Northern Iowa on Saturday Novemeber 29th at 5:05 P.M.