Six members of the Valparaiso University football program were recognized on Friday as Phil Steele announced its 2023 Preseason All-Pioneer Football League teams.

Redshirt senior wide receiver Solomon Davis (Brighton, Tenn. / Brighton) was named to the First Team, while redshirt sophomore tight end Evan Jernegan (Altadena, Calif. / St. Francis), redshirt junior defensive lineman Sam Hafner (Green Bay, Wis. / De Pere), redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Kevin Spelman (New Lenox, Ill. / Providence Catholic) and sixth-year senior punter Evan Matthes (Reston, Va. / South Lakes [West Virginia]) were named to the Second Team. Spelman was also tabbed to the Third Team as a long snapper, while redshirt senior linebacker Evan Annis (Hilliard, Ohio / Hilliard Davidson) rounded out the collection of Valpo honorees as a member of the Third Team.

Davis was named to the All-PFL First Team last season after hauling in 43 receptions for 748 yards and four touchdowns. He ranked ninth in the PFL with 3.58 receptions per game, fifth at 62.33 receiving yards per game, fifth in yards per catch at 17.4 and fifth in total receptions with 43. He finished second in the league in total receiving yards as part of a breakout season.

Jernegan burst onto the scene as a redshirt freshman last season, earning All-PFL Honorable Mention status. He had 15 catches for 241 yards and two touchdowns.

Hafner was a member of the All-PFL Second Team and the Academic All-PFL First Team a year ago. He had 65 tackles, nine tackles for loss, five sacks, three forced fumbles and three QB hurries. He tied for the PFL lead in forced fumbles and ranked ninth in the PFL in sacks per game at 0.42.

Spelman earned a spot on the 2022 Jerry Rice Award Watch List (FCS National Freshman of the Year Award) and was named All-PFL Honorable Mention at both long snapper and defensive line. He had 52 tackles, 11 TFL, 6.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. He ranked fourth in the nation in sacks by a freshman and was fifth in the PFL in sacks while becoming one of nine players in the league with multiple forced fumbles.

Matthes was named to the All-PFL Second Team last year after ranking second in the league in punting average at 41.38 yards per punt. He drilled a 67-yard punt on Sept. 24 vs. San Diego, tied for the longest in the PFL all season.

Annis returns to the fold after missing last season due to a knee injury. He was an All-PFL Honorable Mention performer in Fall 2021 and earned a spot on the All-PFL Second Team in Spring 2021. He is also a standout in the classroom and has twice earned Academic All-PFL First Team status.

Fall training camp begins on Tuesday as the Beacons prepare for the Aug. 31 season opener at Youngstown State.

Click here for full Phil Steele Preseason All-League squads.