Four Black Bears Garner Preseason Honors

ORONO, Maine – University of Maine football standouts Donte Dennis and Chris Howley have been named Phil Steele Preseason All-Americans while fellow Black Bears Jerron McMillian and Derek Buttles were named to Phil Steele Preseason All-CAA teams.

Dennis, a senior linebacker from Rahway, N.J., was named to the Preseason All-American Third Team and All-CAA First Team. He earned All-CAA Third Team accolades for the second-consecutive season in 2010 after leading the team with 108 tackles.

Howley, a junior offensive lineman from Runnemede, N.J., was named to the Preseason All-American Fourth Team and All-CAA First Team. He helped anchor an offensive line that allowed a league-low 12 sacks in 2010. 

McMillian, a senior defensive back from Hillside, N.J., garnered Preseason All-CAA First Team honors after earning All-CAA Second Team honors a year ago. He was among the CAA defensive back leaders with 58 tackles and also had a pair of interceptions and broke up six passes.

Buttles, a senior tight end from Pike, N.Y., earned Second Team Preseason All-CAA honors after being named Second Team All-CAA in 2010. He caught 27 passes for 291 yards and a score a year ago.

The Black Bears open their season at home against Bryant on Sept. 3. Tickets are available now, and can be purchased by calling (207) 581-BEAR or toll-free (800) 756-TEAM.