The Third Unit: Iowa's Top Return Specialists of 2024

In our third edition of "The Third Unit", we recognize the top return specialists across Iowa throughout the 2024 season. These players showed off their versatility and athleticism this season for their game-changing abilities on special teams, setting up their offenses well, and showcased their potential as multi-purpose playmakers for their team. Here are the top 8 return specialists from Iowa in the 2024 season!    In only his sophomore season, [player_tooltip player_id='1358183' first='Hayden' last='Shelman'] has already solidified his spot as one of the most electric return specialists in all of Iowa. Shelman led all return specialists in Iowa with 712 kick return yards in 2024, averaging 28.5 yards per return, and scoring 5 total return touchdowns (4 kick, 1 punt). His ability to change direction and maneuver around defenders so effortlessly is impressive to watch, and when he breaks into the open field, there is simply no stopping him. Shelman's value should certainly skyrocket heading into his junior season, and I'm really excited to see how he develops over the next few years.     [player_tooltip player_id='1358266' first='Tate' last='Martin'] has blossomed over the last two seasons as one of the best all-purpose players from the 8-man league. Martin finished 3rd in the state in kick return yards (648) while adding 4 kickoff return touchdowns. Martin also led his team in receptions (37) and receiving touchdowns (12), while adding 60.5 tackles, 11 TFLs, and 4 fumble recoveries on defense. Martin's versatility was on full display this season, and he was reliable in all three facets of the game for the Bears. It will be interesting to see where Martin ends up, but he should be getting some good offers considering the level of play he's shown over the last two years.     Not many return specialists in Iowa had more big-play potential in the return game than [player_tooltip player_id='1241527' first='Drew' last='Hobart'] did in 2024. Hobart finished with 646 kick return yards, averaging a whopping 40.4 yards per return, and scoring 3 kickoff return touchdowns. Hobart also caught a team-high 50 passes for 787 yards and 6 touchdowns. Hobart does a great job at finding open lanes and cutting back on his strides to attack the lanes, and he's not easy to drag down, showing an impressive level of balance as defenders tried to grab him. Hobart should be a cornerstone piece for Mason City, as the team holds a lot of potential for 2025.     Northeast enjoyed a year where they posted their highest win total since 2009, and Grant Gray played a big part of that performance thanks to his dangerous play in the return game. Gray finished with 597 kick return yards and 3 return touchdowns, averaging 37.3 yards per return. As a RB and LB, Gray seems a bit unnatural as a returner, but he uses his size to rock defenders carrying the ball, and he has great speed in the open field. That level of athleticism combined with his size could make him an underrated athlete to target in this recruiting class.     [player_tooltip player_id='1619976' first='Noah' last='Daniel'] proved to be a great complementary piece for a Fort Dodge team that returned to the playoffs in 2024. Daniel finished with 591 total kick return yards and 3 return touchdowns, averaging 39.4 yards per kick return. That ranks as the third best average yards per return for a primary kick returner in Iowa this season. Coverage teams hated going against Daniel, as he took every crease he got and attacked with full speed, creating a big play nearly every time he touched the ball with slippery agility and impressive footwork. Daniel will look to maintain the Dodgers' positive momentum heading into his senior season.     In Danville's second season since rebooting their football program, the team's MVP that carried the team into the postseason was without a doubt Kessler Whaley. Whaley finished with 559 kick return yards and 3 kick return touchdowns, averaging 39.9 yards per return, while adding 218 punt return yards with an average of 36.3 yards per return. Whaley also recorded a team best 839 receiving yards on 48 catches and 8 touchdowns as a WR, while recording 8 interceptions on defense. Whaley played with a level of vigor and explosiveness that was much needed to boost the energy of this reformed Bears team as they returned to the Class A playoffs for a second straight year. Whaley's all-purpose potential could very well translate into the next level.     [player_tooltip player_id='1238533' first='Jorden' last='Meyer'], one of Iowa's best DBs heading into the class of 2026, also proved to be one of the state's best punt returners last season. Meyer finished second in the state with 390 punt return yards, taking 4 to the house, and averaging a strong 27.9 yards per return. Meyer was the recipient of several end-around plays on returns, which were able to fake out the defense as Meyer did a great job taking the ball down the sideline and outrunning the defenders to the house. Meyer could see a lot more duties heading into his senior season as a lone return man, allowing him to boost his stock by showing his versatility.     [player_tooltip player_id='1034037' first='Hudson' last='Clark'] didn't handle as heavy of a workload in the return game as some of the other return specialists on this list, but he was so explosive whenever he had the ball in his hands. Clark finished with 336 punt return yards and 4 return touchdown on just 10 total punt returns. He also had 258 kick return yards and a kick return touchdown on just 9 kickoff returns. Clark is one of the most agile athletes in all of Iowa right now, and his ability to slip through defenders and keep his balance through elaborate changes of direction is really impressive to watch. Clark is a total highlight-reel for the Rebels, and he should continue to make a big impact in his senior season.

In our third edition of "The Third Unit", we recognize the top return specialists across Iowa throughout the 2024 season. These players showed off their versatility and athleticism this season for their game-changing abilities on special teams, setting up their offenses well, and showcased their potential as multi-purpose playmakers for their team. Here are the top 8 return specialists from Iowa in the 2024 season!