Any success for UMaine football will start with O-line
Ask Jordan Stevens about his offensive line, there’s an excitement in his answer. Those guys are his guys, the well-fed engine that will power the University of Maine football team this season.
“A group that’s brought consistent energy to every practice. Whether it’s a workout or on the field, these guys lead the way,” said Stevens, entering his fifth season as the Black Bears’ head coach. “It’s good to have your big guys bring the most energy each and every day.”
The Black Bears open their season Thursday night with a Coastal Athletic Association game at Towson. Coming off a season of improvement that ended with a 6-6 record, Maine will lean on its veteran offensive line as it aims for its first winning record since 2021.
An all-conference defensive end in his days playing for the Black Bears, Stevens appreciates what a good offensive line can do. They’re the guys responsible for keeping top pass rushers from making an impact.
The projected starting offensive line, from left to right, is left tackle Andrew Kocan, left guard Noah Stanley, center Jack Boutaugh, right guard Ian Erickson (or Tyler Williams, because it’s always good to have options) and right tackle Anthony Illiano. The top tight ends are Eli Mahan and Elijah Smalls. Mahan is a Fryeburg Academy graduate, and Boutaugh played for Leavitt.
Stevens said this is the most returning players the team has had in his time as head coach. In regard to the offensive linemen, he assessed their ability in two simple words.
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“Great group,” he said.
Maine averaged 163.8 yards rushing per game last season – its best production since Stevens took over the program in 2022. Rashawn Marshall ran for 686 yards, averaging 5.3 yards per carry, and will be the lead back. The return of Cape Elizabeth’s Nick Laughlin from a torn ACL gives the Black Bears another threat in the running and passing games, assuming the line can continue to open holes and give the passing game time to develop.
With a new starting quarterback, redshirt sophomore Eddie Buehler, and an inexperienced group of receivers, strong line play will be essential. Buehler can’t develop chemistry with his wideouts if he’s running for his life, with no time in the pocket to find open receivers.
There are reasons to think this group of linemen will be even better than last season, and the biggest is experience. Kocan, Stanley, Boutaugh and Illiano are returning starters. The Erickson/Williams duo replaces Nicolas Cruji, who transferred to Charlotte of the Football Bowl Subdivision. Boutaugh moves from guard to center. Stevens said there’s no question that the mechanical engineering major can handle the added responsibilities that come with playing center, including setting up the line’s blocking coverage. For a smart player like Boutaugh, each snap is just another problem to be solved.
“It’s been great seeing his development and his leadership as well, taking on a role that obviously demands a little bit more communication,” Stevens said.
The most experienced and decorated player on the line is Illiano. A 6-foot-3, 320-pound bulldozer, the redshirt junior was named a preseason All-American by FCS Stats Perform and the Phil Steele college football preview. Illiano has been as reliable as the sunrise, starting every game each of the last two years.
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Stevens sees Illiano and left tackle Andrew Kocan as a matching set, working in tandem to set the edge for the Black Bears’ line.
“I think the world of both of them. Anthony is our captain, and it’s a role he has wanted, and wanted to lead. So starting on the edges, I feel great about those guys,” Stevens said.
The season begins with a tough conference game, giving the Black Bears no time to ease into the season following training camp.
The experienced offensive line provides a great foundation. Great group, Stevens said. For Maine to enjoy success this season, it has to be.
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Tagged: Sports Columns, travis lazarczyk, UMaine Black Bears
Travis Lazarczyk has covered sports for the Portland Press Herald since 2021. A Vermont native, he graduated from the University of Maine in 1995 with a BA in English. After a few years working as a sports. More by Travis Lazarczyk
