Nov. 17, 2005

University of Dayton senior linebacker John Hoppe (Northbrook, IL) has been named Pioneer Football League Defensive Player of the Year, it was announced. Hoppe headed a list of six Flyers who were named First Team All-PFL. Five more UD players earned second level honors.

Hoppe, a graduate of Glenbrook North High School, led Dayton and was fifth overall in the league in tackles (86), The Flyer captain also led the team in solo hits (42) and was second on the team in tackles in the backfield. He was the force behind a UD defense that is currently rated fourth in all of NCAA Division I-AA in scoring defense (14.1 points per game).

Hoppe and senior offensive tackle Ryan Winner (Greenville, OH) were repeat first team selections. Joining them on the first team were junior cornerback Casey Klaus (Delphos, OH), senior offensive guard Ross Mroczek (South Bend, IN), junior punt returner Nick Ruhe (Ottawa, OH) and senior wide receiver Ryan Wrobleski (Northville, MI).

Also named All-PFL were junior defensive tackle Chad Burton (Germantown, OH), junior tight end Matt Champa (Sagamore Hills, OH), sophomore safety Brandon Cramer (Toledo, OH), redshirt sophomore quarterback Kevin Hoyng (Coldwater, OH) and junior linebacker Brian Kelly (Cincinnati, OH).

UD finished 9-1 on the season and ranked second in the Sports Network's and Football Gazette's I-AA Mid-Major rankings, behind Pioneer Football League rival San Diego. UD is one of six teams in I-AA with only one loss (Hampton is the only undefeated team).