ST. LOUIS -- The Pioneer Football League announced its preseason all-conference team today and four University of Dayton Flyers were named to the squad.  Dayton's selections consisted of wide receiver Sam Bubonics, running back Jake Chisholm, linebacker Ben Schmiesing and offensive tackle Brian Stevens. 

Chisholm was named at two positions – running back and all-purpose runner – where he was named First Team All-PFL last year.  The Flyer co-captain from Union, Ky. was named a Preseason Stats Perform Second Team All-American as an all-purpose runner on Monday. 

He was a Second Team Stats Perform FCS All-American last year as an all-purpose runner after finishing second in FCS football in all-purpose yardage (163.9 yards per game).  He also led FCS in rushing attempts per game (23.5) and touchdowns per game (1.8).  

Chisholm led the Pioneer Football League in rushing (103.3 yards per game) and scoring (11.0 points per game), as well as all-purpose yardage in 2021.   In addition to leading UD in rushing (1,073 yards), Chisholm also caught 30 passes for 361 yards, which was the third highest on the team.

Bubonics was Dayton's leading receiver in 2021, with 34 catches for 477 yards (14.0 avg.) and two touchdowns.  Twenty-three of his 34 catches came in the last five games of the season.  The Solon (OH) High School product was Honorable Mention All-PFL and named UD's Most Improved Player.

Schmeising joined the Flyers as a graduate transfer in 2021 after playing three years at Ohio State.  He played in 10 games with seven starts in 2021 and was third on the team with 74 tackles.  He was Second Team All-Pioneer Football League and First Team CoSIDA Academic All-District.  The Piqua (OH) High School graduate is also a Flyer co-captain this season.

The third Flyer co-captain, Stevens started eight games last season at offensive tackle and was named UD's Stan Kurdziel Outstanding Lineman.  Hailing from Milford, Ohio, was the leader of a line that improved tremendously as the year went on.  They opened the holes for Chisholm to gain 502 yards and 13 touchdowns over the last three games, all Flyer wins.  Stevens was Honorable Mention All-PFL in 2021.

Dayton finished the 2021 season with three consecutive wins (including a season-ending win over Davidson), ending up 6-4 overall and 5-3 in the Pioneer Football League.  

The Flyers open the 2022 season at Robert Morris on Saturday, Sept. 3.  Dayton's home opener is on Saturday, September 17 against Kentucky State.  For ticket information, please visit DaytonFlyers.com.

The Flyers will begin preseason camp on August 8.