ORONO, Maine - The University of Maine men's basketball program and Head Coach Richard Barron announced on Thursday afternoon the commitment of Sanford High School senior Leyton Bickford to join the Black Bears' program in the fall of 2020. 

Bickford, a 6'6 forward from Sanford, Maine, is the 49th-ranked player in the New England Class of 2020 and the third-ranked player in his class in Maine according to New England Recruiting Report. The two players ranked above him are both prep school products, making Leyton the top-ranked true high school recruit in the state. 

A two-sport star at Sanford High School, Bickford has received All-Conference honors on the court and the gridiron as a two-way player. 

During his senior season, Bickford ranks second in the Maine AA South Region in points per game (17.5) and first in rebounds per game (10.5), while also ranking among the league leaders in assists per game (2.4) and blocks per game (0.6). 

In the classroom, Bickford is an Honors Student and is set to enroll as a Computer Engineering major at UMaine. 

When asked for comment, Leyton said: "I'm ready to take advantage of this opportunity and show the nation what Maine can do."

"We are very excited to have Leyton join our program," Head Coach Richard Barron said. "He is a very good athlete with nice size and offensive versatility.  He is also an accomplished student who will fit in well with our team's culture."

Leyton joins Randell Wiel as the announced members joining Maine basketball in the fall, Wiel signed his National Letter of Intent in November.