ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- The Pioneer Football League announced its preseason all-conference team today and the University of Dayton had the most student-athletes on the squad.  Dayton had six players named to seven spots; three on defense, three on special teams and one on offense.  No other school had more than four.

Team captain Christopher Beaschler, a two-time First Team All-PFL selection and last year's co-Student-Athlete of the Year, led the defensive selections.  Beaschler led UD in 2015 with 110 tackles.  In three seasons of action, the senior has 293 total hits and 21.5 tackles behind the line, with two interceptions.  Beaschler was also a First Team Academic All-American last season.

Both of UD's cornerbacks, Cameron Stubbs and Christian Searles, were also named.  Stubbs was Dayton's MVP in 2015.  He led the Flyers in interceptions (7) and passes batted away (11).  He was second in the PFL in both categories.  He also led UD in fumbles forced (2) and tied for team honors in recoveries (2).  In addition, Stubbs was tied for second on the team in TFL (8.5).  He had 58 tackles, including 41 solo.  Stubbs also led UD in kickoff return average (27.0), good for third in the PFL.

Searles was both All-PFL at corner and as a return specialist.  He led the PFL in punt return average (12.2, 5.0 yards better than second-place Brad Duwe of Drake) and interception return yardage (5 returns, 24.8 avg.).  Searles was fifth in total tackles for Dayton (56), but was second in unassisted tackles (42).  He was also second on the team in interceptions (5) and tied for second in passes broken up (6).  He is the only sophomore named First Team All-PFL in 2015.

Placekicker William Will is also a two-time First Team All-PFL pick.  Will's 84 points were the most in the PFL last season.  He also led the league in field goals per game (1.42), field goal percentage (73.9% (17 of 23) and was one of three kickers in the PFL who was perfect on PAT's (33 of 33).  He is the eighth Dayton kicker to not miss on any PAT in a season.  Nationally, Will was tied for ninth in field goals per game.

Punter Sean Smith was the only freshman named First Team All-PFL in 2015.  He led the league yards per punt (41.7) and punts inside the 20 yard line (23, against just five touchbacks).  He was the only punter in the PFL with more than eight punts of 50 yards or longer, and Smith had 15.  Nationally, he was second among true freshmen in punting average.

Only one team in the Pioneer Football League had two ballcarriers rush for more than 600 yards last year, and Flyer offensive tackle Jimmy Vogel opened holes for both.  In the first four games of the year, Connor Kacsor gained 606 yards, and then Tucker Yinger stepped in and gained 731.  Vogel was Honorable Mention All-PFL in 2014.

Dayton returns 16 starters – nine offense, seven defense and both kicking specialists – from last season's co-PFL championship team.  Dayton was 10-2 overall in 2015, making the Flyers' first appearance in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.  UD was the Pioneer Football League co-champions with a 7-1 conference record.  It was the Flyers' 12th PFL crown in the 23-year history of the league.

UD opens the season on Saturday, Sept. 3 at home against Central State.  Game time is 7 p.m. ET.  For ticket information, please visit DaytonFlyers.com.