Aug. 17, 2008

PHOTO GALLERY

The University of Dayton football team reached the unofficial halfway point of pre-season camp today with the team's annual Media Day. With the University's New Student Orienation Program underway, and classes for all students beginning on Wednesday, the Flyers took Sunday off from practice to take the team picture, conduct interviews and visit with many of their families at the annual Flyers Club team tailgate.

Flyer head coach Rick Chamberlin likes where his team is as they transition to the normal one-practice-a-day schedule. "We are right on schedule for the upcoming season. Our defense is playing well because of our veteran core. The offense is working hard to be in synch for the year."

UD will open the season as the visiting team in Central State University's fourth annual "Dayton Classic." At Welcome Stadium on Sunday, August 31. Game time is 5:00 p.m. ET.

2008 Flyer Football Season Preview

While "the new boss" isn't exactly "the same as the old boss," the 2008 edition of the University of Dayton football team will benefit from a big dose of continuity as new coach Rick Chamberlin heads into his first season. Chamberlin takes over for Mike Kelly, who stepped down after 27 seasons as UD's head coach.

Every one of those 27 seasons had the benefit of then-assistant coach Rick Chamberlin. Before that, Chamberlin served on Rick Carter's coaching staff (with Kelly) for two years, and before that, he was a Flyer All-American linebacker who played for Kelly and Carter.

Now Chamberlin takes over a program that returns 10 starters (two offense, seven defense, one specialist) and 33 letterwinners from last year's 11-1, FCS Mid-Major national championship team.

Among the defensive starters returning are two of the team's three captains, three-quarters of the starting secondary, and three of the top four tacklers from a year ago. Senior Flyer/nickelback Steve McDonald and senior defensive end Scott Vossler are the defensive captains. McDonald led the team in solo tackles (40) and was second in total hits (79). He made plays in eight defensive categories (everything but getting a QB hurry) and recovered three fumbles. Vossler led UD in sacks (9.0), tackles behind the line (16.5) and fumbles forced (6 of UD's 12 last season). Vossler also found his way into eight defensive areas (neglecting only to get an interception in 2007) and was the Flyers' fourth-leading tackler (68).

Starting corners, sophomore Joe Castaneda and junior Scott Horcher, are back, along with senior safety Corey Vossler (Scott's brother). Castaneda was the Pioneer Football League's Rookie of the Year last season after intercepting three passes and breaking up eight more. Horcher enters his junior season with 19 starts under his belt already. Vossler was UD's third-leading tackler (71 hits) in 2007, and he added three interceptions.

The remaining two starters back are senior defensive tackle Sean Heenan and senior linebacker Drew Fumagalli. Heenan was tied for second on the team in tackles in the backfield (11.0), and added 7.5 sacks and 51 total tackles. Fumagalli moves into the lead linebacker role filled last year by Brian Kelly. Fumagalli had 48 tackles and was second on the team with two QB hurries.

Those defensive starters don't even include two key names who will make an impact in 2008. Senior defensive tackle Kalen Hemmelgarn moves into the lineup after being named a Sports Network FCS Mid-Major All-American as a non-starter. Hemmelgarn was second on the team in sacks (8.5) and was team co-leader in fumbles recovered (3).

The other key name is Chamberlin himself, who retains the duties of defensive coordinator as he moves up to head coach. Last year, Chamberlin's defense led the PFL and was fourth nationally in both total defense (271.5 yards per game) and scoring defense (15.58 points per game).

Lettermen Brandon Wingeier (redshirt sophomore defensive end), Joe Ries (redshirt sophomore linebacker) and Matt Smyth (senior safety) are projected to start in 2008.

Offensively, the Flyers return a veteran left side of the line and starting running back Ben Shappie. Shappie, a senior, was UD's second-leading rusher last year, with 529 yards and six touchdowns in 108 carries (4.9 yards per carry). Up front, senior tackle Ryan Pollock moves from right tackle to left tackle, and senior left guard Patrick McCormick also returns.

Offensive captain Rob Florian returns for his fifth year and steps up to replace record-setting QB Kevin Hoyng. Florian has only one start in his career, but what a start it was. In 2006, without ever throwing a collegiate pass, Florian filled in for the injured Hoyng and threw for 411 yards, just three yards short of the school single-game record. Last season, Florian completed 26 of 42 passes (.619) for 261 yards and two TD's.

Florian will be throwing to a practically brand-new cast. The Flyers had four players catch at least 50 passes. None return. But the current crop of UD pass catchers are considered a more athletic group than last year's and several were moved to wideout from other positions to take advantage of their athleticism.

Redshirt sophomore split end Steve Valentino played quarterback last season, and will be available for action there as well. A pair of redshirt freshmen spent their first spring at UD learning a new position. Flanker James Ward moves across the line from the secondary, and wide receiver Justin Millio is a converted running back. Two players back from knee injuries - redshirt sophomore Justin Watkins and senior James Wade (a converted tailback) - will provide quality depth. Watkins caught 20 passes (six for TD's) in 2007 and led the team in yards per reception (17.8).

Up on the line of scrimmage, senior Bart Bergfeld will line up at tight end/slot receiver. Seniors Zach Whitten (tackle) and Marcus Overman (guard) will get the first shot at making up the right side of the line. At center, redshirt freshman Blake Saul and redshirt sophomore Adam Scheidler will compete for the starting center slot.

On special teams, UD returns all three ingredients of a successful conversion. Snapper Marcus Overman, holder Rob Florian and placekicker Nick Glavin are all back. As a sophomore, Glavin converted 35 of 37 PAT's and three of five field goals last year. Joe Castaneda returns to be the primary return threat. He led UD in kickoff returns (14 for a 24.1 yard average) and was second in punt returns (12 for 11.8 average) in his first season.