ORONO – All they could do was be patient, work hard and prepare themselves for the future.

Last football season was a stepping stone for Jake Folz and Shawn Demaray, who were red-shirted as freshmen. Now the future has arrived for the two University of Maine sophomores, and they’re anxious to get their chance to play.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve played,” said Demaray, an offensive guard from Livermore Falls. “It’s been over a year.”

Since leaving the high school level, the two lineman have dedicated themselves to earning a spot in the Black Bears trenches.

“I definitely came here with a goal of playing in mind,” said Folz, an offensive tackle from Oxford Hills. “So far I’m doing pretty well to meet my goal.”

Folz is the backup to right tackle Mark Lehner. Demaray has been working with the second team in preseason. Depending on injuries and their development, playing time could come their way this season.

“It’s definitely more exciting, but I have also got to be more focused, and I’ve got to know my plays. I have to know the defenses. I have to know the techniques that I use. I’ve got to know everything.”

It’s been a year-long preparation for the two. Demaray played linebacker and was an offensive guard for Livermore Falls. He was the Andies Lineman of the Year in 2001 and was an All-Campbell Conference pick in 2002. Folz was an offensive tackle and defensive end for the Vikings. He was an All-Pine Tree Conference and All-State player and was the squad’s MVP in 2002.

Last year was spent lifting weights four times a week. They practiced with the team but didn’t travel.

“It was definitely a little different than high school,” said Folz, “but it had it’s good things. I was able to get a lot bigger and a lot stronger. I was able to learn the offense. I know how things work. So this year is going to be a lot different than last year.

Folz now weighs in at 255 while Demaray gained 40 pounds and is listed at 260.

“I’m bigger and strong now and able to compete,” Demaray said. “Most people that come in as freshmen that are linemen, they just can’t compete because they’re not strong enough yet.”

A year ago, both felt overwhelmed at the pace of the game, but they’re now getting accustomed to it.

“It’s a much faster game,” said Demaray. “Now as a sophomore, it seems like it’s slowing down a lot.”

“I definitely feel more prepared with the game speed,” said Folz. “It was quite a jump coming up here. There’s a big difference between Maine high school football and Division I football at the University of Maine. I feel more accustomed to the speed.”

Now, they’re playing time has to be earned. Both are working even harder to prepare and take that next step. They’re playing time may hinge on other factors, but both know that they have to do their share to be prepared should that chance arise.

“I wouldn’t say it’s pressure, but I’m definitely more focused,” said Folz. “Last winter, I focused in the weight room on getting bigger and strong and faster. During the spring ball, I focused on technique and learning our plays and learning our offense. During the camp, I’ve been trying to bring everything together.”

Knowing that there is a chance of seeing game action is just that extra motivation needed.

“Last year when your red-shirted you knew you’re not going to see the field at all,” said Demaray. “Now, even if I’m not running with the (first team), if we’re up by a lot or down by a lot, there’s a chance I might get in and play. That’s a good feeling too.”