DAYTON – The football team will play its Spring Game on Sunday, and offensive coordinator Eric Evans has liked what he's seen from his squad in spring practice.  The Flyers will return nine starters on the offensive side of the ball from last year's team that won the Pioneer Football League and qualified for the NCAA FCS Playoffs. 

"Offensively this spring, I think we have seen a lot of growth. Each position has responded to the challenges that we have given them. There have been a number of guys who have stood out across the board," Evans said.

One of those areas has been at quarterback. Alex Jeske returns for his second season at the position, and he is looking to improve on an impressive freshman year.

"Alex Jeske has certainly matured in his second year. He is going faster through his progressions and making good decisions. He's seeing the big picture and making adjustments, while also providing a lot of leadership characteristics for us," Evans said.

Jeske will also have one of his primary receivers back from a year ago.

"At wide receiver, Jack Euritt has had his best spring by far. He's been our most explosive receiver and has come down with a number of catches this spring. He has consistently been making plays day-in and day-out," Evans said. 

In addition to Euritt, Evans also explained that Ian Palin will also be a threat on offense at the tight end position.

"Ian Palin has been one of our best leaders on offense. You always know what you're going to get with Ian. He gives his best every day," he said.

On the offensive line, Dayton returns some experience, and it will also feature a player who lined up on the defensive side of the ball last year.

"Shane Toub, who is our starting center, is probably our premier leader on offense.  The guys rally around him. He holds everyone accountable. He's not going to let anything slide, and he has great attention to detail. He's like a coach on the field for us. Wes Hegemann came over from the defensive line and is playing offensive line for the first time. He's got great body mechanics, and he has picked up our scheme and our system quickly. He's been able to show what he's capable of doing," Evans said.

The offensive line will lead the way for a group of talented running backs.

"At running back, I think we have a really good stable of backs. Tucker Yinger is one of our more dynamic players on offense. I think that Jack Adams has had one of his best camps, and Marlin Bunnell, who's a freshman, has shown a lot of promise," Evans said.

As for Sunday, Evans expects the Spring Game to be very competitive.

"I think it's going to be an exciting game. We're going to split the team in two and try to make the teams as evenly matched as possible. We've had a number of great highlight-type plays on both sides of the ball so far throughout spring, and I hope that competition shows up on Sunday," he said.

The Spring Game will take place on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET at Welcome Stadium.  The game will also be broadcast live on 1290 WHIO Radio and streamed on DaytonFlyers.com. Admission is free and the first 200 fans will receive Arby's sandwiches.