Ohio Return Specialists for 2020

It takes more than speed and quickness to be a great return specialist. The best returners must exude confidence along with being instinctive in their cuts while accelerating downfield. A big return can change the momentum of the game and demoralize the opposition. Here is a list of some of the top returners in the state this past season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34180" first="Lorenzo" last="Styles"] Jr     6’1” 180     Pickerington Central     2021</strong> One of the absolute best skilled athletes in the country, Styles is an explosive player at multiple positions. He plans on taking his talents to Notre Dame upon graduation and he will see the field quickly due to his speed, quickness, and big play making abilities. As a punt and kickoff returner, Styles is a natural, showing no hesitation in fielding the football. He possesses both speed and acceleration often running by or through defenders in the openfield. <strong>Markez Gillam     5’5” 135     Reynoldsburg     2022</strong> Markez is barely big enough to ride the roller coaster but there is little doubt, he shows up in a huge way on the football field. Gillam kicks it into another gear when he has the football under his arm. He is elusive as a return specialist, weaving his way through the coverage unit without losing speed. He shows exceptional balance and body control by often spinning off blocks while still making progress upfield. Markez is extremely powerful in the core and legs for his size. <strong>Cade Crawford     6’1” 180     Carey     2021</strong> Cade never comes off the field as a receiver, defensive back, and kickoff and punt returner. He isn’t a blazer in terms of speed, but he displays confidence and toughness as a returner. If he has to, Cade will use the straight arm technique to keep would-be tacklers off his body. He runs through arm tackles and keeps his strong and powerful legs churning toward the goal line. Cade is a valuable, multi position player in one of the smaller school divisions in the state. <strong>Adam Fry     6’0” 150     West Jefferson     2022</strong> Fry plays for a high school that has a great football tradition and represents it well. Adam is a physical and tough corner on defense and exemplifies the same traits as a returner. He displays sure hands in fielding the football and reads his blocks well on the run. He is especially successful in setting the coverage unit up by starting straight down the middle of the field then breaking sharply to the sideline. <strong>Cayden Dougherty     5’9” 140     Worthington Kilbourne     2021</strong> This senior is another one of those light in stature guys that is a major contributor to his team due to his versatility and athleticism. Cayden is a big play maker at wide receiver and as a kickoff and return man on special teams. He ended up the season with over 900 yards in receiving and 1378 all-purpose yards. As a returner, he consistently makes the first man downfield miss. Cayden displays great vision and finds the smallest of cracks to burst through. To no avail, opposing teams often try to squib kick to disrupt his fielding the football. <strong>Eli Coppess     6’1” 200     Pickerington North     2022</strong> Coppess is versatile football player that rules the secondary at Pickerington North with his instincts, physicality, and competitiveness. He shows these same attributes as a return specialist. Eli isn’t afraid to field the football in a crowd, run by the initial defender, then dash toward the opposing goal line. He has great hips and can change direction on a dime. Coppess plays with great confidence and competitive spirit.