The Third Unit: Minnesota's Best Return Specialists of 2024

Wrapping up our final edition of "The Third Unit" in Minnesota, we recognize the top returners in the state that electrified the state with their playmaking abilities on special teams. Today, we release 7 of the most effective returners in Minnesota that proved to be dangerous assets for their teams, proving to be capable weapons to set up their offense, or to take the ball all the way back and score themselves.    [player_tooltip player_id='1583306' first='Greg' last='Kennedy'] was one of the most explosive playmakers in the state during the 2024 season, and he was able to stretch out several long returns for Fillmore Central last season. Kennedy recorded 449 kick return yards and 1 kickoff return touchdown, averaging 32.1 yards per return. He also recorded 257 punt return yards and 2 punt return touchdowns, averaging 25.7 yards per return. Kennedy holds an impressive combination of length and speed, and once he breaks into the open field, it is very difficult to catch him. Kennedy holds excellent value as a tall and dynamic all-purpose threat as we head closer to signing day.     In his junior season, Severson saw primary kick-return duties for Northfield, and he proved to be an effective cornerstone for the Raiders' special-teams unit. Severson led the state in 2024 with 494 kick return yards and 1 kick return touchdown, averaging 21.5 yards per return. Severson showed great vision as a returner, making quick cuts to beat defenders inside, and he showed solid speed as he brought out several long returns this season. He also adds value to the special-teams unit as a gunner on punts. Severson should enter the 2025 season as one of the biggest impact players to watch out among the special-teams.     One of the most dynamic football players overall in Minnesota last season, Destin Fier was dangerous whenever he had the ball in his hands. He excelled as a punt returner, finishing 2nd in the state with 317 punt return yards and 3 return touchdowns, averaging 28.8 yards per return. He had 2 punt return touchdowns alone against Lac Qui Parle Valley. Fier's success as a returner came on handoff or fake-sweep plays, and no one came close to matching the level of success that Fier had on those specific returns. Fier has dangerous breakaway speed and great balance returning down the sideline. Fier's presence proved vital in Minneota's run to a third straight state championship, as well as their second straight undefeated season.     3-sport athlete Luke Loehlein has made an imprint over the last two seasons as a solid DB for Prior Lake's secondary, and as a reliable kick returner that can churn out good yardage with the ball in his hands. Loehlein finished with 420 kick return yards and 1 return touchdown, averaging exactly 28 yards per return. He also had 68 punt return yards and one punt return touchdown, averaging 8.5 yards per return. Loehlein took each crease available and ran through it with ease, and he holds a combination of great agility and a knack for being able to fake out his defenders. Loehlein is a solid athlete that should excel in whatever path he chooses going forward.     One of the top football players in Minnesota heading into this season, [player_tooltip player_id='586119' first='Dylan' last='Vokal'] delivered a strong senior campaign, and his athleticism was showcased as he delivered in the return game for Maple Grove. Vokal finished with 291 punt return yards and 1 punt return touchdown, averaging 19.4 yards per return. He also had 248 kick return yards, averaging 27.6 yards per return. Vokal stands out as a far-superior athlete toward his competitors on the field, and his combination of strength, speed, and sheer will that he puts into each play made him successful in the return game as he had been all over the field last season. Vokal will take his talents to North Dakota State where he could succeed as an all-purpose threat.     Another outstanding athlete who showcased great versatility throughout the 2024 season was Caden Reiter, who was electric for Kingsland last season. Reiter finished with 309 punt return yards and 2 return touchdowns, averaging 16.3 yards per return. He also recorded 239 kick return yards, averaging 26.6 yards per return. Reiter is a fast athlete that can turn on the jets in an instant, and it proved best to not let Reiter get his hands on the ball, because he will have an opportunity to take it to the end-zone every time. Reiter should possess some excellent value heading into the next level for how dynamic he was on the field.     Malachi Gant played exclusively as a kick returner for Lakeville South last season, and he was one of the most productive kickoff returners in the state. Through just 6 games, Gant ranked 3rd in the state in kick return yards (433), averaging 28.9 yards per return. Gant proved difficult to stop in the return game, being impressively shifty and slippery, and he often shook off grabs at his legs to break away for a long return. Gant holds several D3 offers as signing day approaches.

Wrapping up our final edition of "The Third Unit" in Minnesota, we recognize the top returners in the state that electrified the state with their playmaking abilities on special teams. Today, we release 7 of the most effective returners in Minnesota that proved to be dangerous assets for their teams, proving to be capable weapons to set up their offense, or to take the ball all the way back and score themselves.