ST. LOUIS -- The Pioneer Football League announced its preseason all-conference team today and three University of Dayton Flyers were named to the squad.  Dayton's three selections consisted of Flyers Andrew Lutgens, offensive guard Michael Niese and tight end Adam Trautman.  

Lutgens redshirted his first year on campus, but immediately moved into the starting lineup in 2017.  He has started all 22 games of his college career at "Flyer", UD's hybrid defensive back/linebacker position.  Last season he was named First Team All-Pioneer Football League.  He was third on the team in total tackles (68) and solo tackles (37), and he led Dayton in tackles behind the line (10).  He is from Brentwood, Tenn.

Niese, a senior from Chesterfield, Mo., started all 11 games for Dayton last season.  A two-year starter, he was one of the mainstays on the O-line that paved the way for Tucker Yinger's back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons that were the first in Flyer football history.  Niese was Honorable Mention All-PFL in 2018.

A three-year starter, Trautman is a two-time Second Team All-PFL selection.  He enters his final year as a Flyer 24 catches away from Bill Franks' career receptions record of 133 and seven TD's away from Pat Hugar's 24 receiving touchdowns.  Last season, Trautman had team bests with 41 receptions for 604 yards and nine touchdowns.   The Williamsburg, Mich. native is a four-time member of the PFL Academic Honor Roll.

Lutgens and Trautman are UD's captains this season.

In addition, Lutgens, Niese and Trautman were joined by several teammates on Phil Steele's College Football's Preseason All-PFL teams.  Kyle Butz was named the first team punt returner, Jack Cook was the second team quarterback, Jacob Brunson was a third team offensive lineman, Tim Simon was a third team defensive back and Mike Stodola was a third team defensive lineman.

Dayton was 6-5 a year ago, and 5-3 in the Pioneer Football league.  Three of UD's five losses in 2018 were to teams that reached the FCS playoffs.  Dayton returns 13 starters – seven from the offense, and six from the defensive side of the ball.   

The Flyers open the season at Indiana State on Saturday, Sept. 7.  Dayton's home opener is Saturday, Sept. 21 against Duquesne.  For ticket information, please visit DaytonFlyers.com.