Two UD Football Players Receive Preseason Accolades

Brandon Heath
Contributing Writer

Dayton Football kicks off this season with two of its players on major preseason award lists. Redshirt senior tight end Adam Trautman is on the Second Team Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Preseason All-American list, and redshirt sophomore quarterback Jack Cook is on the College Football Performance FCS Performer of the Year Watch List.

Trautman is one of Dayton’s co-captains this season, and adds the Preseason All-American award to a smattering of other preseason award lists including the STATS Preseason FCS Third Team All-American list and the Walter Payton Award Watch List, which is awarded to the top offensive player in the FCS. He may have the preseason recognition, but Trautman is focused on the season ahead.

“It’s definitely a feel-good accomplishment,” Trautman said. “But the main focus is on the Pioneer Football League (PFL) championship. That’s our big goal.”

Coming into his final season, Trautman is a mere 24 catches and seven touchdowns away from the Flyers’ all-time records in each category. He led the team last season in receptions (41), yards (604) and touchdowns (nine).

Cook, on the other hand, began last year as the backup behind Alex Jeske. After Jeske went down with a torn ACL in the first game of the season, Cook took over the offense, throwing for 2,421 yards, 20 touchdowns, just two interceptions and completing 60.7% of his passes. He also showed his versatility on the ground, rushing for 421 yards and eight touchdowns.

This season, Cook will be the undisputed field general, and according to head coach Rick Chamberlin, Cook is in peak form.

“As Jack developed over the spring, he is at the top of his game,” Chamberlin said, “I know he’s working hard this summer getting ready.”

The Flyers are returning seven offensive starters, including Trautman and Cook, from a team that finished 6-5 overall with a 5-3 Pioneer Football League record. This season, the Flyers were picked to finish second in a league-wide coach’s poll. 

They begin their season on the road against Indiana State on Sept. 7, with their home opener on Sept. 21 versus Duquesne.

Cover photo of redshirt sophomore Jack Cook courtesy of Dayton Athletics.