Incoming Senior Return Specialists 2023

Special teams are huge in shifting momentum in-game. Nothing does that more arguably than returners. Having a returner that can flip the field makes them a swiss army knife player. Versatility is implied in their case because they are full-time in other positions. These incoming seniors made a huge impact this last season! &nbsp; <strong>Eli Aston</strong> - 5’11" / 160lbs - WR/RB - East Central Getting vertical is an essential element to being a good returner. Eli consistently pushes vertical with every return. This means he does not waste movement going side to side. He uses his impressive vision to find space and trust his blockers to make their blocks. I wouldn't describe him as shifty, but he has an elusiveness about him that makes would-be tacklers miss. Coupled with his speed that constantly separates himself from defenders, he is bound to have a tremendous senior campaign! &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="185516" first="Cheyenne" last="Allen"]</strong> - 6’1" / 180lbs - RB/FS/K - North Judson-San Pierre Power and versatility are two words to sum up, Cheyenne's play. He has the strength to take his body over top of the defender while also having the speed to pull away from the pack. When Cheyenne gets into the open field, he has excellent stride length to leave the field behind. He takes runs up the middle through the defense and also picks them apart running seam routes. There is no hesitation in his game; when he sees a hole, he will take it. I expect Cheyenne to have a special year this year. &nbsp; <strong>Jethro Hochstetler</strong> - 6’2" / 180lbs - WR/SS - Northridge Downhill running with intention, Jethro runs north and south, getting where he needs to go efficiently. When returning the ball, he does an exceptional job of focusing on the ball then getting his eyes downfield to gain yards. Defenders in his way on a collision course because he fights to get where he wants. He has a remarkable ability to play balls off the bounce, showing that he has elite hand-eye coordination. Being 6'2", he has height that will transition well to the next level. &nbsp; <strong>Mayson Lewis</strong> - 6’1" / 175lbs - WR - Shenandoah I mentioned that versatility is the absolute description of a return specialist. They return kicks on top of catching passes and making tackles. Mayson shows that he has the potential to do it all. He is only listed as a wide receiver, but he lines up at linebacker and punter and is a return man. Finding holes in the return game and on blitzes look to be his specialty. Doing both takes excellent vision, but there is also an element of body control to get into the nooks that open up. He is undoubtedly a weapon to be utilized during his senior year. &nbsp; <strong>Terrence (TJ) McWilliams</strong> - 6’2" / 175lbs - WR - North Central TJ shows a lot of patience and speed in his returns. Speed is a part of every facet of his game. Not only is he fast, but he has tremendous stop and go; change of direction capability. He is slippery, meaning he is not going to run over many people, but defenders fall off of him, showing me he has the strength to hold his own. When returning kicks, it is essential to get vertical quickly. Still, one part of his game that will transcend to the next level is starting returns horizontally and then exploding vertically. This helps to set up blocks and creates larger holes for him.