ORONO -- John Moloney didn't walk on to the University of Maine football team as much as he climbed down to it.

The Mt. Blue graduate is one of four players vying to be the Black Bears' starting kicker. Last season, Moloney was filming Maine games and practice. Now he's ready to take part.

"We gave him a chance in the spring and he's really taken it and run with it," Maine coach Jack Cosgrove said. "He's really fit right into the team."

After transferring to Maine from Maine Maritime Academy last year, Moloney approached Cosgrove about trying out as a kicker. When told the team had a full compliment of kickers, Moloney took a job as a member of the football team's video crew. Moloney kicked on his own time, after flag football games in the school's Mahaney Dome practice bubble.

"Even when they told me they didn't have room for me. I like working out, so I worked out anyway. I'd come in here after those flag football games, 9:30, 10 o'clock, and I'd kick into those field goal posts," Moloney said on Friday during the team's media day.

Cosgrove gave Moloney a chance to kick during spring practice and liked what he saw. Cosgrove invited Moloney to the team as a walk on.

"There was no tryout period, he just said, 'You're the only one I have, so we'll just work with it,' " Moloney said. "I could tell he was very pleased."

Moloney said he consistently makes field goals from 35 yards in. He's still improving his leg strength.

"I've got my form down really well, I've been working on that hard, and I'm very consistent from 35 yards in," Moloney said. "Once you get out (past) there, my leg strength and flexibility isn't where it should be. We've got to work on that."

• • •

Cony graduate Gabe Hinds spent last season as a redshirt quarterback, learning the offense. Now in his second camp, Hinds feels more comfortable with the system.

"I just feel more confident this year. I'm more mature," Hinds said. "It's a year of growing and learning the offense and I'm just excited about everything that can happen this year. I think we have a pretty good team."

While Hinds isn't likely to play this season, Cosgrove is glad to have the Augusta native on the roster.

"I really think he could be a starting quarterback in a lot of places if he wanted to play at a lower level," Cosgrove said. "I think Gabe is going to be a coach. ... He's not at the level of the guys in front of him, but he never embarrasses himself when he goes out there."

Hinds said he feels more at ease recognizing defensive coverages, and feels his footwork has improved.

"Film helped me the most," he said. "Help from Coach Bourgoin (offensive coordinator Kevin Bourgoin) and the older (quarterbacks) was a great influence on my development in the off season.

"Hopefully I can just keeping better in all aspects of the game, and we'll see what happens in the future."

• • •

Nokomis graduate Steven Shea doesn't put much stock in the preseason depth chart, which lists him as the first string right tackle.

"Well, it's preseason. Anything can happen," the 6-4, 277-pound Shea said.

Still, it bodes well for the redshirt freshman's future. When Shea was at Nokomis, the football team still played at the club level, and the Maine coaches love his untapped potential.

"A lot of times we've had young men from the state of Maine, and the jump to what this is from what they're used to is too grand, and they don't last too long. Steven loves the sport," Cosgrove said. "He really is as hard a worker as we've got here. He has a chance to play for us this year."

Shea credited the older offensive lineman with helping his development.

"Watching the older guys, they're just good teachers. They got to me where I am right now," Shea said.

Shea has worked at each position on the line, adding to his value.

"Your value goes up the more you can do. He wouldn't be asked to do those things if he couldn't," Cosgrove said. "I see him as a guy who's going to play a lot of football here at Maine."

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Jordan Stevens, another Mt. Blue graduate, is making the transition from linebacker to defensive end this season. The junior made 69 tackles last season.

"Jordan is a special player. He's truly gifted. It's been easy for him. He's a football player," Cosgrove said.

The 6-foot-2, 242-pound Stevens has gotten some tips from defensive end Jovan Belcher, who made the move from linebacker to end last season and is considered one of the top defensive players in the Colonial Athletic Association.

"(Belcher) did real well with that, and I'm just trying to follow what he did. The transition's not too bad, because we both played outside linebacker and rushed the passer a lot," Stevens said. "I'm trying to learn new things. I'm always learning new stuff."

Putting Stevens and Belcher on the ends makes the Maine defense faster, Cosgrove said. "It's a product of us just trying to get faster as a defense. We're not as big as some of those old Maine teams you've seen, but the game now is so predicated on speed and athletic ability, and (Stevens and Belcher) are far better athletes at times, then the guy they line up across from.

"They're really going to give those (offensive tackles) fits."

Stevens, a state champion skier in high school, didn't hit the slopes last winter.

"I haven't really had the time. I probably will later, but right now it's on hold," Stevens said.

• • •

The No. 4 jersey has taken on special meaning at Maine over the last few years. Free safety Aaron Dashiell wore the number and was a two-time All American in 1999 and 2000. Linebacker Stephen Cooper then wore No. 4 and is now playing in the NFL for the San Diego Chargers.

No. 4 was passed on to defensive back Brandon McGowan, who plays for the Chicago Bears. Defensive back Daren Stone wore No. 4 and was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons. Last season, linebacker John Wormuth, known as "Johnny Football" to the Black Bears, wore the magic number and was a team captain.

"Expectations rise if you're wearing No. 4," Cosgrove said.

This year, No. 4 belongs to junior linebacker Mark Masterson. The Williamstown, N.J., native knows the significance of the number.

"A lot of good players had No. 4, so hopefully I can continue the tradition," said Masterson, who had 31 tackles last season. "It's really an honor. You can't replace a 'Johnny Football.' "

Travis Lazarczyk -- 861-9242

tlazarczyk@centralmaine.com