Top Return Specialists From 2020

One of the most underrated parts of the game is special teams. You always want to get a solid return specialist to consistently set you up with good field position to make it easier on your offense. On top of that, any big return will jack your team up and give you solid momentum. Take a look at 5 return specialists who were electric in 2020: <img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-64677" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/10/IMG_4635-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="42934" first="Cole" last="Martin"], <em>ATH, Hamilton HS (C/O 2023)</em> Hamilton has been the most heavily recruited sophomore in the state for a reason. He is a standout DB, but can burn you from anywhere on the field. He was electric with his 28 total returns with his 541 yards and a TD. He had numerous big returns that were called back from penalties as well. Martin is one of the most elusive players I’ve seen with the ball in his hands. His lateral agility and change of direction is off the charts. He frequently made opponents miss. He shows solid top end speed to take it to the house if there’s an open lane, and possesses excellent vision. Martin is heavily recruited as a DB, but don’t be surprised to see Hamilton involve him more in the offense next season. <strong>Carson Bachmann</strong>, <em>WR, Basha HS (C/O 2021)</em> Bachmann was electric as a return specialist. He showed an excellent burst and accelerated through open lanes and was gone as soon as he turned on the jets. Excellent top end speed with a good speed separation against fast opponents, and explosive out of cuts. Bachmann showed no hesitation. He was shifty in open space to make defenders miss, and was a threat every time he touched the ball. He was also very productive as a WR and did a great job taking the top off a defense for big plays. He is committed to Western New Mexico University. [player_tooltip player_id="42871" first="Zach" last="Hammett"], <em>ATH, River Valley HS (C/O 2022)</em> Hammett is a quick, jittery kid with good twitch. He had just 13 total returns, but put up 404 yards and 3 TD’s. He is dangerous in open space and frequently jukes opponents out of their shoes. He was dominant at the 3A level from anywhere on the field. River Valley utilized him at RB and slot, and did a great job getting him the ball. He displays good vision with solid second level speed for big play ability, consistently popping off big plays every week. Advice for opponents going into 2021: Don’t kick to this kid. [caption id="attachment_68357" align="alignright" width="215"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-68357" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/11/IMG_4861-215x300.jpg" alt="" width="215" height="300" /> Photo: Twitter[/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="42646" first="Jacob" last="Cisneros"], <em>RB, Boulder Creek (C/O 2021)</em> The UPenn signee was one of, if not the most versatile player in Arizona in 2020. You always had to know where this kid was lined up on the field. He had 22 total returns for 634 yards and 3 TD’s. Cisneros displayed an excellent burst through an opening and was gone from there. Solid second level speed to separate himself from trailing opponents and could weave his way through defenders without decelerating. He was definitely one of the funnest players to watch in 2020, and will be an exciting player to follow at the University of Pennsylvania. <strong>Donovan Williams</strong>, <em>WR/DB, Willow Canyon HS (C/O 2022)</em> Williams racked up 603 yards on 27 returns, and took numerous returns to the house on film. He showed good vision to be able to cutback, and did a great job using physicality to bust out big time returns. He utilized a nice stiff arm numerous times, and did a great job running though arm tackles and finding his way into open field. He showed some solid flashes of big play ability at WR as well, and will be a fun prospect to watch in 2021.