ORONO — Michael Laverriere, the 2016 James J. Fitzpatrick winner from Thornton Academy, will likely miss a second year of football at the University of Maine following recent surgery on his left shoulder.

Laverriere was redshirted last fall in his freshman season after he had surgery on his right shoulder last July.

He had been projected to be a fullback for the Black Bears and was progressing nicely through the team’s winter workouts. But Laverriere was injured while working out with quarterbacks, according to Coach Joe Harasymiak.

“He dove to catch a pass and landed on his shoulder,” said Harasymiak.

Laverriere attended the opening of Maine’s spring football practices on Wednesday with his left arm in a sling. He said that he suffered a torn labrum and had surgery last Thursday.

“Of course it’s frustrating,” said Laverriere. “I don’t know if I missed a full game before, now I missed a full season and I’m going to miss spring ball.”

Laverriere said the recovery time is 5 to 6 months, which would mean he would miss all of fall training camp. Harasymiak isn’t expecting Laverriere to play next fall.

“He’s a kid we’d love to get out there on the field,” said Maine offensive coordinator Nick Charlton. “He’s tough and he’s a smart kid. Unfortunately in this sport it happens and you’ve just got to continue to stay positive. When he’s healthy he’ll be a big part of the program.”


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