At the onset of the football season, St. Ambrose junior Michael Hayward finds himself in elite company.

The Bettendorf grad has been named as one of the NAIA Super Six, which recognizes the top half-dozen returning players across the nation in NAIA college football programs.

Hayward is the only underclassman among players honored by the College Fanz Sports Network, and he probably is the only one who will be changing positions this season.

After spending two years as a record-setting receiver for the Fighting Bees, Hayward will begin camp this fall as the starting quarterback at St. Ambrose.

"He has waited patiently and helped us a great deal at receiver, but we believe he has an opportunity to do special things as a quarterback for us as well," Fighting Bees coach Mike Magistrelli said.

Hayward earned first-team all-American honors and was selected as the Mid-States Football Association Midwest League player of the year last fall after setting St. Ambrose single-season records with 88 receptions, 1,292 receiving yards and 11 touchdown catches.

He finished third in the country with an average of 107.7 receiving yards a game and was sixth in catches at 7.3 a contest. Hayward already holds school career records for receptions and touchdown receptions.

"To be named to the Super Six is a great compliment to everything Mike has done for us during his career," Magistrelli said. "To be recognized as one of the top six players in the country, that's great for him and an honor for our program."

Hayward and Fighting Bees left tackle Matt Sutton, a second-team all-American a year ago, were also named to the NAIA Super 72. Sutton, a San Diego native, is one of nine offensive linemen selected to the preseason team.

The pair will be among a group of 180 varsity and junior varsity players who arrive at St. Ambrose on Aug. 15, one day before the Fighting Bees begin practices leading up to a Sept. 5 season opener at home against Trinity.