1. Who will start at quarterback?

Junior Dan Collins and sophomore Drew Belcher continued to split snaps this spring and undoubtedly will battle it out through August. Both showed a better grasp of the offense Saturday, making quicker decisions. Belcher threw two scoring passes, Collins one. Neither was intercepted.

Drew Belcher, who threw two touchdown passes in a scrimmage Saturday, will continue to compete with Dan Collins for the No. 1 quarterback job when the UMaine football camp opens in August.

Dan Collins showed a better grasp of the offense, as did Drew Belcher, as they continued their bids to become the No. 1 quarterback for UMaine. The Black Bears open the season Sept. 5 at Boston College.

Sean Decloux provides extra points and field goals for UMaine, and punted in the scrimmage Saturday with Sam Lenson hurt. Coach Jack Cosgrove prefers not to use Decloux to punt, but he can do it. Photos by Michael C. York/Special to the Telegram

“I feel much better about our quarterbacks this year,” said Coach Jack Cosgrove. “It’s now deciding on what are we best at in the throw game and the run game, and kind of culling our offense down until we’re great at those things.”

The Black Bears also will be searching for a third-string quarterback. Daniel Hoffer informed the coaches Friday that he would be transferring, most likely to a Division II school in search of more playing opportunities.

2. Who will punt?

It can be an overlooked issue, but Maine must replace the graduated Jeffrey Ondish. Sophomore Sam Lenson was out with an injury this spring, so kicker Sean Decloux expanded his duties to fill that role, and looked good doing so. But Cosgrove is hesitant to put that much burden on one leg, knowing how valuable Decloux is as a points-scorer.

“I’ve always kind of kept it up,” Decloux said of his punting. “I’ll be all set if they need me.”

3. What about the back end of the defense?

Maine figures to have a terrific front seven on defense but must fill holes in the secondary, particularly at safety. Davonte Burke should return from knee surgery in time to fill one slot. Darrius Hart got some experience last fall as a freshman, and has added 20 pounds to his 6-foot-2 frame to get up to 210 and impress his coaches this spring. Behind those two, defensive coordinator Joe Harasymiak was heartened by the performances of redshirt freshman Sinmisola Demuren, and sophomores Jason Matovu and Spencer Carey this spring.

4. What is the status of the NCAA investigation?

Maine self-reported that seven football players may have violated rules by accepting free meals in the university dining commons. The university has been tight-lipped since.

Cosgrove said Saturday that he has been instructed not to comment on the issue, but that he’s hopeful of a resolution soon. The players were allowed to participate in spring practices.

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