CHICAGO – STATS LLC has announced its 2016 FCS Preseason All-America Team, and University of Dayton cornerback Christian Searles has been named as a punt returner.  The junior from Chicago was named to the Third Team.

Searles was All-Pioneer Football League last season 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 was also eighth in FCS football in punt return average.  Among the top 50 FCS punt returners in 2015, Searles had the most returns (33).

Searles was also First Team All-PFL at cornerback, leading the league in 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 was the only sophomore named First Team All-PFL in 2015.

Searles was one of three PFL players recognized by STATS.  Drake tight end Eric Saubert and Stetson defensive back Donald Payne were both on the first team.

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.

The Flyers report to preseason camp on Monday, Aug. 8.  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.