ORONO, Maine (WABI) – Derek Robertson used to start at quarterback for Maine, but he’s going to be back in Orono as an opponent with the Monmouth Hawks this weekend.
“It’s definitely a great opportunity. I know they like to pass the ball a lot. We’re just really focused on just the Black Bears this week. We know Derek is a good quarterback, so we have to bring our A-game for him,” said Shakur Smalls, senior defensive back.
“If he didn’t want to be part of our program, that’s fine. The next guy steps up. We have Carter (Peevy) in. Carter’s a great quarterback, mobile, runs around, knows what he’s doing, and we’re confident in him. He’s going to make a lot of plays this Saturday,” said John Costanza, senior defensive lineman.
The Black Bears are uniquely familiar with Robertson thanks to going up against him in practice.
“(We’ll be) just keying in on his eyes. He’s a really accurate quarterback. He managed the games well. It should be a good day for the Jack Boys to get an interception,” said Smalls.
“He knows us, we know him. We’re going into this game scouting the past two games he’s played. We’re going in there (with) confidence. We’ve seen him for three years now here at Maine. It’s going to be who wants it more,” said Costanza.
There’s quite an incentive for a strong defensive performance this week with Robertson on the other side.
“It’s always good to play against one of your former teammates. You just have that familiarity. (I’m thinking the) Black Bears are getting the win always,” said Smalls.
“It’s going to be a little more chippy with a little extra edge on it. I know the DB’s are excited. The D-line is excited to get after it. We’re going to make him pay,” said Costanza.
Kickoff between the Black Bears and Hawks is Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at Alfond Stadium.
Robertson’s brother, Jimmy, is the quarterbacks coach at Monmouth.
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