DAYTON – Consistency and limiting mistakes have been the themes for the defense in spring practice, according to Landon Fox, the Flyers' defensive coordinator. Dayton returns seven starters on the defensive side of the ball from last year's PFL Championship and NCAA FCS Playoff team.

"We would like to build off of our 2015 PFL Championship. I thought we did some really good things last year, and it came down to executing on defense. There weren't a lot of mistakes, and that's what we are trying to preach this year," Fox said.

Fox expects the defensive line to put plenty of pressure on opposing teams this year. Nick Surges and Michael Gray will anchor the defensive end positions, and Miles Ashleman and Andy Carfagna will play at defensive tackle.

"Nick Surges is our emotional leader, and he is a high-energy guy. Michael Gray is just an outstanding athlete. Andy Carfagna is our glue, and he's consistent. We know exactly what we're going to get with him on each play. Miles Ashleman has been a very good leader and has had an outstanding spring," Fox said.

There will be also be a familiar face at the Flyer position, as Chris Hagan was in the mix at the position last season.

"Chris Hagan enjoys practice, so you enjoy being around him. He's always in the right spots, and he understands what we are asking him to do," Fox said.

At linebacker, Dayton returns First Team All-PFL selection Chris Beaschler and Honorable Mention All-PFL selection Jack Crain. 

"The nice thing about Chris is that he's still trying to improve. He knows that he hasn't figured it all out, so he's out there trying to get better. Jack is tough. His approach is so good and consistent. He brings that sense of toughness to our defensive group," Fox said.

The Flyers will also return two of the best cornerbacks in the PFL from a season ago in Cameron Stubbs and Christian Searles. Stubbs and Searles were both First Team All-PFL selections a year ago.

"They may be two of the best corners we have had here. The thing I'm most proud of those guys is their approach. They're getting limited reps in the spring, but they're still mentally engaged and helping out their teammates," Fox said. 

While many of the positions will have experienced players returning, Dayton will have big shoes to fill in the safety positions.

"We lost two very good starters in Danny Leach and Nolan Harmotto. The one guy that has played for us is Travis Nees. He's done a nice job of being involved in every practice, and he takes a lot of pride in what he's doing. He's a guy that has the experience at safety," Fox 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.