The UMaine Black Bears are shaking things up in their backfield! With a roster full of fresh faces and some unexpected transfers, will this new approach finally ignite their ground game? Get ready to see who steps up and delivers the crucial yards this season. It’s all on the line!

The University of Maine’s football program is embarking on a significant strategic shift this season, particularly in its ground game, as it aims to revitalize an offense heavily reliant on new talent in the backfield. Head coach Jordan Stevens and his staff have meticulously scoured the transfer portal, opting for an innovative approach that blends experience from lower college football divisions with promising, untested sophomores.

Leading this revamped corps are several key newcomers poised to make an immediate impact. Sincere Baines, a transfer from Division II UNC Pembroke, brings a proven track record to the Football Championship Subdivision stage. Alongside him, sophomore Rashawn Marshall, who has yet to feature in a collegiate game, and Sivert Klefsaas, hailing from Division III University of Northwestern, represent a diverse mix of talent ready to prove their capabilities at a higher level of competition.

This influx of new ballcarriers comes at a crucial time for the Black Bears, who saw their top three rushing leaders from the previous season—Brian Santana-Fis, Jaharie Martin, and Tavion Banks—move on. With only one returning running back, Symon Sathler, who also faces an early-season injury, the onus is squarely on these fresh faces to fill significant shoes and establish a consistent ground attack.

Coach Stevens’ strategy marks a departure from solely targeting transfers from Football Bowl Subdivision programs, a common practice for many FCS teams. By looking to Divisions II and III, the coaching staff aims to uncover overlooked talent eager for a bigger opportunity and capable of thriving within the team’s culture and system, underscoring a belief in development over instant, high-profile acquisition.

Sincere Baines articulated his decision to join Maine as an opportunity for growth within a supportive environment. “I was just looking for some development. I wanted to be a part of a good culture. On my visit, everything was good. It’s a brotherhood. It’s an opportunity,” Baines stated. He further emphasized the team’s collective awareness of the available snaps across the offense, highlighting a shared commitment to continuous improvement to be game-ready.

The Black Bears have a history of successfully integrating players from lower collegiate ranks. Last season, wide receiver Mo Irefin, an All-America talent from Division III St. Vincent College, seamlessly transitioned to the FCS, becoming a vital part of Maine’s receiving and special teams units. This precedent provides a blueprint and confidence that the current crop of running backs can similarly make a meaningful contribution.

Despite an improvement last season, the running game remains an area with substantial room for growth. In 2023, UMaine averaged a mere 79.7 yards per game on the ground, placing them last in the Coastal Athletic Association and as the only team under 100 yards. While the 2022 season saw a slightly better 107.8 yards per game, it still left them near the bottom of the league in rushing attempts and yards per carry, underscoring the urgent need for this season’s revitalization efforts.

Crucially, the new running backs will benefit from a largely stable and experienced offensive line. Four of the five projected starters have played in at least 11 games last season, with the fifth seeing action in five. This veteran unit, comprising tackles Andrew Kocan and Tyler Williams, guards Anthony Illiano and Jack Boutaugh, and center Nicholas Cruji, offers a foundation of familiarity and cohesion vital for establishing a successful run-blocking scheme.

As the season opener approaches, anticipation is high for these newcomers to showcase their abilities. For players like Sincere Baines, the first FCS game holds personal significance, with family expected to travel a relatively short distance to witness his debut. The stage is set for a compelling season as UMaine football looks to redefine its identity on the ground and climb the CAA standings.