The University of Maine Black Bears have a starting quarterback for the first week of the season after first year Head Coach Joe Harasymiak made the announcement on Monday afternoon.

Junior quarterback Dan Collins will be the starter for the Bears against the UConn Huskies to start the year after a strong spring and summer of practices with the team.  Collins played in nine games for UMaine in 2015 and completed just fewer than 50 percent of his passes.  The Williamstown, NJ native threw six touchdowns and gave up 10 interceptions a season ago.

Harasymiak noted the 'high-level' of play from Collins in practice and his 'excellent decision making' for the reasoning behind starting the Junior out to begin the year.

Sophomore Drew Belcher will now serve as the back-up after failing to win the job out of camp.  Belcher compiled a 123 quarterback rating in nine games and had four touchdowns and two interceptions.  Harasymiak did not rule out a potential position switch however.  Jon Ebling, Chris Treister, and Mike Brusko all transitioned out of the QB position to other parts of the offense under former coach Jack Cosgrove

Also on the roster at the position are red-shirt freshman Jack Walsh and true freshman Chris Ferguson.

The Black Bears will begin the 2016 season against the UConn Huskies on Thursday, September 1st at 7 p.m.  The conference and home opener will be on September 24th against James Madison at Alfond Stadium.

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