Jan. 12, 2005

University of Dayton senior safety Doug Jones was named Pioneer Football League North Division Defensive Player of the Year in a vote of the league's coaches, in an announcement made Wednesday by the PFL. Jones, a repeat selection to the PFL's first team, led a total of nine Flyers who received All-Pioneer Football League recognition.

Six were named to the first team (three defensive, two offensive, one special team). The league's coaches voted on the team, which was divided into North Division and South Division teams.

Joining Jones on the first team were senior defensive lineman Trent Warren junior linebacker Jon Hoppe junior offensive tackle Ryan Winner senior center Robby Schwab and senior kicker Jason Resch

Named to the Honorable Mention squad, which serves as the PFL's second team, were senior defensive tackle Chris Dearth senior punt returner Chris Cowan and junior wide receiver Ryan Wrobleski

Jones is the fourth UD player to be named a PFL Player of the Year. Safety Mark Kasmer, who Jones followed into the Dayton starting lineup, was the league's top defensive player in 2001 and 2002. Tailback Jermaine Bailey (2001) and quarterback Kelly Spiker (2002) were named Offensive Player of the Year.

Dayton finished 7-3 overall, and 2-2 in the PFL in 2004. UD had its 28th straight winning season, extending the Flyers' school record. That ties Dayton with Florida State for the longest such streak among Division I football-playing schools. The Flyers are ranked #5 in the Football Gazette NCAA Division I-AA Mid-Major rankings, and sixth by the Sports Network.