SpringfieldNewsSun.com

DAYTON — Two returning stars for the University of Dayton football team have left the program, but one of them plans to be back.

Senior J. Michael Jonard, the Flyers' leading receiver last year with a school-record 64 receptions, and defensive end Bobby Burger, who was third on the team with eight sacks and tied for second in tackles for negative yardage with 11 as a sophomore last season, have left first-year coach Rick Chamberlin with gargantuan holes to fill.

Jonard, a Galena native, is sitting out the semester for personal reasons and plans to enroll again in January and play in 2009, Chamberlin said.

Burger, a Cincinnati La Salle High School graduate, plans to transfer to Notre Dame, although not to play football.

"His dad was a walk-on and got a scholarship there, and (Burger) said it was always his dream to go to Notre Dame," Chamberlin said. "When he says that, I can understand it."

Chamberlin knows the Flyers' offense will take a hit with Jonard's absence.

"Of course, we're going to miss him, but we should be able to keep our offense moving in the coming year," Chamberlin said.

UD reports for fall camp Tuesday, Aug. 5, and begins practice Wednesday.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or at dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com.