ORONO, Maine -- The University of Maine football program will begin the 2019 season ranked at No. 7 in the America Football Coaches Association (AFCA) preseason top-25 poll, as announced by the organization on Monday, Aug. 19.
The Black Bears, who will also start the year at No. 7 in the STATS FCS Top-25 poll, finished last season ranked at No. 5 in the AFCA Coaches' Final Poll.
The Black Bears return 15 of 22 starters from last year's squad, including quarterback
Chris Ferguson who will enter his third consecutive season as the starter under center, and preseason all-conference wideout
Earnest Edwards who led the CAA in total touchdowns a year ago. Maine's defense, which led all of FCS in rush defense in 2018, welcomes back eight starters including its top two tacklers in preseason All-American
Deshawn Stevens and preseason All-CAA selection
Taji Lowe along with All-American corner
Manny Patterson.
Five CAA teams received rankings in the AFCA preseason top-25 poll. James Madison received one first-place vote and is ranked No. 2 in the preseason Top 25. Maine was voted No. 7 in the poll, followed by No. 12 Towson, No. 21 Elon and No. 23 Delaware. Stony Brook
and
New Hampshire were among other teams receiving votes.
The Black Bears open the season on Aug. 30 when they host Sacred Heart at 6 p.m. Season memberships and single game tickets are available now and can be purchased by phone at 207.581.BEAR, online at
GoBlackBears.com/tickets or in-person at the UMaine box office located at Alfond Arena.
-UMaine-
