The NFL draft is in the books and the annual spring games have come to an end across the Big Ten and it is time to start diving into who to watch and what to expect during the 2022 season. We already dove into the top five returning rushers, passers, receivers, and overall scorers in the Big Ten, but the top five returning kick returners may be even more interesting.
Kick returners don’t typically move the needle, but the Ohio State Buckeyes have a good one and special teams can play a key role in some major contests. Looking into these lists really shows how dominant Ohio State can be in the Big Ten.
Let’s get into it.
1 Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) and long snapper Bradley Robinson (42) warm up during the spring football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on April 16, 2022.
Ncaa Football Ohio State Spring Game. Credit: USA TODAY Sports Network
Emeka Egbuka is going to be a star receiver, but he has already proven to be a star kick returner as he was the Big Ten leader averaging 29 yards per kick return.
2 Charlie Jones, Iowa
Iowa wide receiver Charlie Jones returns a punt during the Hawkeyes’ final spring NCAA football practice, Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
220423 Iowa Spring Fb 014 Jpg
Iowa’s Charlie Jones entered the transfer portal today, but I started this piece before that and there is no going back! The 2021 Big Ten Returner of the Year was second in the Big Ten last season averaging 25.4 yards per return.
3 Blake Corum, Michigan
Blake Corum runs the ball during the Michigan spring game on April 2, 2022, at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. Credit: USA TODAY Sports Network
We already know the hype surrounding Michigan’s Blake Corum and PFF’s top returning running back in the Big Ten is also a monster as a returner finishing the season third in the Big Ten with a kick return average of 25.3 yards per return.
4 Jayden Reed, Michigan State
Michigan State receiver Jayden Reed is defended by defensive back Marqui Lowery during the spring practice on Saturday, April 16, 2022, at Spartan Stadium. Credit: USA TODAY Sports Network
Jayden Reed has been on a few of these statistical leader pieces and he not only dominates on offense but also on special teams. The Michigan State star was the fourth leading kick returner with a healthy average of 23.4 yards per return.
5 Devyn Ford, Penn State
Apr 23, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Devyn Ford (28) runs with the ball during the Blue-White spring game at Beaver Stadium. The defense defeated the offense 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Devyn Ford is expecting to play a bigger role in the Penn State offense, but he is at least a fantastic returner and finished sixth in the Big Ten with a strong kick return average of 21.5 yards per return.
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