DAYTON – With one week left in preseason camp, the University of Dayton football team broke up the routine on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to do some campus community service on Friday, play a full scrimmage on Saturday and hold Media Day on Sunday.  

Dayton football was part of the volunteer contingent assisting the "Blue Crew" in moving UD's Class of 2020 into their dorms on Friday.  On Saturday, the Flyers did a full-game situation scrimmage (more on that later), and then returned to Welcome Stadium for Media Day.

At the end of Media Day, Coach Rick Chamberlin took time to do a Q&A with DaytonFlyers.com.

DF.Com:  First off, tell us about camp so far.
Coach Chamberlin:  "We have seen a lot of progress made, especially offensively.  That's what you would expect with nine starters back, including at quarterback, receiver and running back.  That really showed in our scrimmage on Saturday in how well the offense moved the ball in different ways – running the ball, bootlegs, deep passes –that was good to see.
Defensively, we are seeing steps taken each day.  What we need to do right now is be more consistent.  One day, like on Thursday when we had a red-zone scrimmage period, the defense dominated.  But then, like we came out Saturday, and we give up big plays."

DF.Com:  Do you think that going against a veteran offense in practice, one that is clicking, is good for your defense in the long run?
Coach Chamberlin:  "I definitely think so.  With the firepower of our offense, when you talk about our offensive line, the running game, and the passing game that I've talked about…when you go against that every day, it will help prepare you for whatever challenge you might see during the regular season.  When you get into those heated contests against good offenses you can relax and feel more confidence because you know that you've already gone against one of the better offenses in our conference."

DF.Com:  Talk about some people how have shined in camp, maybe some of the players who have been surprises.
Coach Chamberlin:  "I would say some of the player who have stood out have been some of your typical ones.  Ones you would expect like Alex Jeske.  Alex is throwing the ball very well right now.  He made some throws Saturday, that I just shake my head at how locked in he is.  He's really done it all camp.  Adam Trautman is also having a very good camp and he will be a dominating force when we get him in favorable matchups.
On defense, a couple of our freshmen have really stood out to us.  One is Grant Dyer, a linebacker from northern Kentucky – a "Cov. Cath." product" – has really shown some promise with his athleticism.  At corner, one of players who was in an alternating situation last year, Jake Kempt, is having the best camp he's ever had.  He is really on top of his techniques.  His athleticism has always been there but now he has a great feel for the game."

DF.Com:  Tell us about your captains.
Coach Chamberlin:  "We have two outstanding captains.  Nick Surges, who was in that role last year, is our vocal guy.  He plays with passion and when it's time to speak to the team, offense and defense, he's the voice you hear.  Ben Gauthier is the steady captain, the rock-solid guy, just like he is on our offensive line.  He leads by example, showing people by his effort, his ability and his love for the game how good we can be."

DF.Com:  Talk about Media Day, and who good it is for the team to be able to take a breath as camp winds down.
Coach Chamberlin:  "When we have picture day, we typically have at least 200 to 250 parents and family members in attendance.  The weather has for most part cooperated with a nice, sunny day and today was no different.  It's an opportunity for families to come out and take pictures of their sons in the uniforms, maybe take pictures of their son's teammates and roommates, and rekindle relationships with those families.
Depending on where they are at in their careers, it's a chance to catch up on memories or create new ones.  For instance, Nick Surges' parents came up to me and said "Coach, I can't believe it's the fifth picture day for us, and the last one," because it goes so fast.  If you're a freshman, it's exciting to be part of a college press day, and if you are a senior, it might be a little emotional as you begin to realize it's the last time you do pictures with your family as a Flyer."

DF.Com:  What's next for the team moving forward as the semester begins on Wednesday.
Coach Chamberlin:  "We catch our breath today, the team gets to spend time with their families and then we will be right back at it tomorrow, with the upperclassmen continuing to have camp practices.  We will mix in some situational scrimmages Monday and Tuesday.  We will continue to get better in those situations.  Wednesday, classes start and we will take that day off.  We want our players to get the semester off to a good start.  Thursday and Friday, I still consider camp days.  We are not going to start on Robert Morris until Saturday.  We will concentrate on our team those two days and then move into our game planning."

Saturday's scrimmage was a big day by the offense.  Jeske was four-for five passing for 134 yards and two TD's to Ryan Skibinski – a 70-yarder on the first play of the day and a 40-yarder.  J.P. Forcucci also caught two touchdown passes – one from Kyle Kapraros and one from Luke Anthony.  The offense scored five TD's of 40 yards or longer, including the 70-yard run that freshman Jake Chisholm had to end the scoring.