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(STATS) - The prospect of Dayton remaining strong after its first trip to the FCS playoffs appears likely because four Pioneer Football League first-team selections are among 15 seniors who have decided to return for a redshirt fifth season.
Dayton shared the PFL title and finished 10-2 this past season, losing to Western Illinois in the first round of the playoffs - only the third team in league history to advance to the FCS postseason.
The Flyers were young offensively, but started nine seniors on defense, so coach Rick Chamberlin's squad will be glad to welcome back linebacker Christopher Beaschler, cornerback Cameron Stubbs, offensive tackle Jimmy Vogel and place-kicker William Will after they earned first-team all-league honors. Stubbs, who was the team's MVP, tied for the league high with 18 passes defended and was second with seven interceptions.
The other seniors who are returning for their fifth season are defensive tackles Miles Ashelman, Andy Carfagna and Michael Scott, defensive end Michael Gray, linebacker Chris Hagan, offensive guard Spencer Luallen, safety Travis Nees, tight end Ian Palin, center Shane Toub, safety Luke Welsh and running back Owen Williams.
