BY KEVIN THOMAS

The Portland Press Herald

Josh Ingalls already had a inkling that he would accept a football scholarship to the University of Maine.

This past weekend sealed the deal. Ingalls, a Wells High School senior, visited the Orono campus and the Maine players.

“I liked the whole environment up there,” Ingalls said. “I already felt like part of the team.”

And he will be, starting next season. Ingalls was one of 12 players to sign a National Letter of Intent on Wednesday, the first day football players could accept scholarships to NCAA schools.

Ingalls, a 6-foot-4, 240-pound defensive end, was one of only two Maine high school players to sign with the Black Bears. The other was John Bapst tight end Max Andrews (6-3, 230).

Maine signed players down the east coast, from Massachusetts to Maryland.

“We put together what we think is an outstanding class,” Maine coach Jack Cosgrove said.

Among the 10 out-of-state recruits, the biggest name may be running back Nigel Jones of Pleasantville, N.J. Jones (5-9, 198) rushed for more than 4,000 yards in his high school career and was considered a Division I (FBS) recruit. He reportedly turned down offers from Rutgers and Temple.

“He’s a hard-nosed, physical player,” Cosgrove said, adding that he will compliment the speed of another running back who signed Wednesday — Sacoy Malone (5-8, 175) from Springfield, Mass.

The Black Bears signed one quarterback — Daniel Collins (6-3, 195) of Williamstown, N.J. Cosgrove said Maine might sign one more quarterback, but neither will compete for the starting job right away.

Maine is bringing in a slew of lineman besides Ingalls and Andrews, including defensive tackle David Toriola (6-3, 290), a transfer from Marist College.

Others include tight ends Patrick Ricard (6-3, 235) of Spencer, Mass., and Sean Reuss (6-3, 230) of Monticello, N.Y.; offensive lineman Calvert Schaefer (6-7, 265) of Westminster, Md.; and defensive lineman Alban Dedvukaj (6-3, 255) of Brookfield, Conn. (and a transfer from Santa Barbara Community College).

Defensive back Davonte Burke (6-1, 190) of Galesville, Md. and kicker Sean Decloux of Ottawa (and Red Lion Christian Academy in Maryland) also signed.

Other Maine high school players may be invited to be a walk-on next year, with the chance of earning a scholarship.

But Ingalls already has his free ride.

Ingalls was a Telegram All-State selection on defense. He helped lead Wells to an undefeated season, culminating in the Class B state championship.

Although Ingalls was also a tight end for the Warriors, he will play defense for Maine.

“Teams had a hard time blocking him,” Cosgrove said.

Maine will return its two starting defensive ends from last year. Michael Cole will be a junior and Doug Alston will be a senior.

Ingalls said he plans on majoring in civil engineering.