Game-Breaking Return Specialists

Nothing can change a game like an electric kickoff or punt return. Being able to flip the field or even add a quick touchdown is a major advantage for teams. That type of momentum swing is invaluable, so it got me to thinking who are some of the best returners that will be back receiving punts and kicks this fall? More specifically, who should we be watching after returning multiple kicks/punts for TDs in 2024? We answer that question today. Enjoy these game changers.    Total Return TDs: 3 Punt Return TDs/ 1 Kick Return TDs   The small school WR/LB was right at the top for punt return TDs in 2024 with 3. Tye averaged over 32 yds/return over the span of 13 returns in 5 games. His 8 kick returns averaged just under 18 yds/return. On the return, Tye is a decisive athlete. He uses very little cuts, instead he relies on his vision, burst, and top end speed to create his big plays. I can't wait to see his senior year encore in 2025. Check out his returns and other highlights.      2024 Stats: 2 Punt Return TDs, 1 Kick Return TD   Junior Carter Hess was a key piece on offense and special teams for Berlin this past season. He returned 2 of his 21 punt returns for a TD and averaged 14.2 yds/return. The explosive athlete also returned a kickoff for a TD while averaging 23.1 yds/att on 11 returns. Carter dominated on his returns the same way he dominates on offense and defense. He can win with his vision and speed as he easily flies through lanes at top speed. Or he will punish tacklers on the way to the endzone. Having a kid back there with speed to go untouched and also the power to create yards is a major advantage.      2024 Stats: 2 Punt Return TDs, 1 Kick Return TD   The Grafton sophomore was able to find a role as a DB, but the '27 made his biggest mark with his return skills. Jack piled up 3 total return TDs while averaging just shy of 20 yds/ret on kickoffs and just under 27 yds per punt return. Even if he didn't score, Jack was able to set up the offense so well with his big play ability. His ability to figure out ways to get through traffic and back into open grass is impressive. His vision, quick feet, and sudden lateral agility get him out of trouble. Jack has a great feel for the return game.      2024 Stats: 2 Punt Return TDs, 1 Kick Return TD   Zyon didn't handle the amount of returns that others did in this list, however that didn't stop him from scoring three times as a returner. The explosive junior averaged 27 yds per punt return and just under 36 yds per kick return. Between the two, Zyon only had 12 returns giving him a 25% return to TD rate. White does a great job of creating a plan on the fly based off what he sees during the return. He will press the hole then jump cut to the side and take off for a huge return. Plus the speed is there for him to win the race to the edge to break contain. The explosive athlete is a need to know athlete in the Class of 2026.      2024 Stats: 3 Kick Return TDs   Sully is the first athlete in this article to do all his damage with just one of the returns. The junior is a kick returner who has had great success. His 5 returns averaged out to an insane 64.6 yards/return. Sully's biggest returns would come off of reverses with the other returner back deep with him. That way he could catch the coverage team over pursuing. Once Sully gets a seam you see him flip to that second gear and take off. Sully is outstanding on the returning end.      2024 Stats: 3 Kick Return TDs   Another kick return phenom is junior Gannan Schwartz. Gannan put up nearly 700 return yards on 22 returns for a 31.7 yard average per return. Numbers that illustrate his ability to flip the field or light up the scoreboard. Gannan was also used as a punt returner, and while he didn't score on those returns the junior still was able to average just under 14 yds/return. The versatile athlete is one to keep an eye on.     2024 Stats: 3 Kick Return TDs   We wrap up with one of the top talents in WI overall. Tommy is more than a premier RB. The junior is electric back deep returning kickoffs as well. On 14 returns, Tommy averaged an unbelievable 39.8 yds/return. The kick returns are just another way for Tommy to show off his elite traits. Speed, vision, instincts, acceleration, and power flash throughout his highlights on offense and special teams. He is a legitimate weapon that can flip the field, change momentum, and take over a game with just a touch. Get on this kid while you can.

Nothing can change a game like an electric kickoff or punt return. Being able to flip the field or even add a quick touchdown is a major advantage for teams. That type of momentum swing is invaluable, so it got me to thinking who are some of the best returners that will be back receiving punts and kicks this fall? More specifically, who should we be watching after returning multiple kicks/punts for TDs in 2024? We answer that question today. Enjoy these game changers.