Named an all-academic player last year, the tackle from Livermore Falls will be counted upon to protect his QB’s blind side.
ORONO

Shawn Demaray worked diligently just to earn a spot in the starting lineup.

After achieving that goal with the University of Maine football team last fall, the Livermore Falls native discovered that the work didn’t end there.

“You get to that point where you play and now instead of just trying to be a starter, you want to be the best player on the team or an all-league guy,” said the 6-foot-2 offensive lineman. “You’ve got to keep working and working.”

A year ago, the former Andies all-star was on the verge of getting regular duty in the Black Bear trenches. He’d seen limited action the previous season, but was a likely starter entering his sophomore year.

“At the beginning of the season, it was a good opportunity,” said Demaray. “I was really excited about getting going and playing, especially against a powerhouse like Nebraska. It was a great experience. There were 80,000 fans there.”

Demaray started 11 games with the Black Bears, two at left guard and nine at right guard. He was one of only two linemen to start every game.

“It was getting comfortable with the feeling that I had to come out and perform every day to do my best,” said Demaray. “When you first start, you’re nervous, naturally, and you’re scared a little bit. As time went on, it was like this is my job, and I’m going to do it.”

A year later, he feels even more at home up front for the Black Bears, but that doesn’t mean it is time to rest on any accomplishments. As one of the elder statesman, Demaray now feels a duty not only to himself but also his fellow linemen.

“I come out to practice thinking about making zero mistakes,” said Demaray. “I’m one of the older guys on the line. We have a lot of young guys on the line. They’re looking up to the older guys. If I mess up or I slack, then they’re going to slack. So I have to portray an image of what the offensive line should be – hustling around and working your butt off and not taking plays off.”

It was hard work that helped Demaray reach his goal as a starter. He conditioned his body and his mind for the grueling work. Then he proved himself in action last year. Now he’s helping the new players follow that same path.

“Last year, I just played,” he said. “I didn’t really talk. I just did my job and did what I was supposed to. Now I’m more involved in the offense and talking and trying to teach the younger guys. I help them learn plays and watch films with them. I try to be more like a coach/player to try to help them out. If I go down, my backup needs to be able to come in and play.”

Demaray, a kinesiology and physical education major who was on the Atlantic 10 All-Academic team, hopes to coach at the college level. So he’s trying to learn for then and now while grooming the newcomers.

One thing he has learned about being a leader is that players are motivated in different ways. So distinguishing how different players react is critical. He tries to be that bridge between players and the coaching staff. He’ll teach, advise and encourage his fellow linemen.

Among the players pushing for more action is Jacob Folz, a former all-star at Oxford Hills. Folz saw one game of action his first year and played in three games last season.

“Instead of having a coach yell at them, they need someone else to jump start them, say ‘Come on, let’s go or let’s get started and play,'” said Demaray. “I’ll jump right in before the coaches say something.”

It is a role many of the veteran Black Bears are trying to do this season. Maine has a number of young players in key positions. After winning three of their last four games last year, the Black Bears are trying to ride that momentum toward a stronger season.

“I think it really jump-started us to this season,” said Demaray. “We came out in spring ball and played well. I feel like we’re even better now. I think we’re going to surprise some people and win quite a few games.”