One of the most electric parts of football will always be the kick and punt return. Based on what we’re seeing in the NFL ranks, we may soon have no kick off at all so let’s take a moment to appreciate the return game.
Devin Hester’s highlight reels at both Miami and in Chicago are videos I find myself continually coming back to in the summer months when I miss football. After the Fat Boy touchdown, the kick return is the most exhilarating play in football. It really doesn’t get much better.
The follow up depth chart question from everyone seems to be who is returning kicks and punts? Last year Jha’Quan Jackson handled punt duties with Shedro on kickoffs. We all remember Jha’Quan starting the route in 2022 against Memphis with a 90 yard tuddy.
https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/34854948
Louis famously housed one against the Tulsa golden hurricane electrifying Yulman for the first time since 2019. If you can tell me who had that kick return in ‘19, I’ll let you pick my next topic. No, it wasn’t Sherman Badie. Think.
Obviously two very dynamic return men on the team last year but unfortunately both have departed leaving a void on the 2024 team. Who will be next to join the list of Badie, Jackson and Louis. Let’s look into those that could be in line for the job.
Zycarl Lewis
The freshman sensation from Tampa has a penchant for big plays. A certified home run hitter, he took multiple punts to the house in the 2023 high school season as well as a couple kicks earlier in his prep career.
Lewis opens up the below highlight tape with an awesome punt return touchdown. A coast to coast kick return in the next Twitter video. Has exactly the speed and change of direction you want to see in a return man. The dynamic cuts and pure play track speed make him my top choice for kick and punt returner. Get him the ball and let him spin.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/hnpAnu4SjcNfZ6ym/?mibextid=TRmnTU
https://twitter.com/zycarllewisjr/status/1564258050541772801?s=46&t=G6CcxNfP6WMWVm30ZUjuPg
Dontae Fleming
Fleming will be the obvious choice with punt and kick return experience at this level. He averaged 24.5 yards on six kick returns and 25.5 yards on four punt returns at ULL. He did have a couple of mishaps in the punt return game last year, but the trend line seems to be pointing up for Fleming in all facets after a disappointing 2023 campaign. He may not be quite as dynamic as Zycarl but he does have the experience.
Khai Prean
We know the speed he possesses. Ran a 10.94 100 and a 21.70 200 as a sophomore. It appears he did some return work at st James although it’s hard to find any footage. During his senior season of high school, the St. James product recorded 61 catches for 1,096 yards and 14 touchdowns. His speed and big play ability in the receiving game should translate to returning kicks. In a crowded receiver room, it would certainly be one way to get on the field.
Bryce Bohanan
Bohanan has returned a handful of punts and kicks in his Tulane tenure. He excelled in track and field in high school as a relay sprinter. There’s not a ton on tape here but the former staff trusted him to return kicks and punts which at the very least makes him a viable option.
Shi’Keem Laister
Now I’m not sure that Shi’Keem is a true returner, but he is the one guy on this roster that has taken a punt back for a touchdown in a Tulane uniform.
Look you can say that was a squibbed rolling punt that went 20 yards. The punter kicked it and Laister fielded it and then took it to the house. We’re looking for guys that can make dynamic plays on special teams and last year he was able to do just that.
Let me know who you got. For me personally it’s all about the Zyclone.
Tulane Football Blog 
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