We've listed the top payers at the offensive and defensive positions in Arizona high school football ahead of the 2026 season, including reader polls. Now we finish up special teams with these home run hitters. Here are The Republic's top 10 kickoff and punt returners to see in the 2026 season. Vote in our poll below for the player you think is No. 1. Print readers can find the poll online with this story at azcentral.com/sports/high-schools.
Top 10 return specialists
1. Ryder Noche, Phoenix Brophy Prep, Sr.
He is the Fiesta Bowl preseason All-Arizona kick returner. He's been bringing back kicks for the Broncos on varsity since his freshman year. Has many gears. Knows how to pick up his blockers and find the seam.
2. Dontay Tyson, Peoria, Sr.
This Washington commit has all the tools to become a big-time college player. A big-play receiver, his career returns are off the charts. He has 15 kickoff returns for 503 yards and three touchdowns. He has 16 punt returns for 381 yards and three more TDs.
3. Roye Oliver III, Chandler Hamilton, Sr.
He's a dangerous receiver, but he's also a big a weapon returning punts. Big-time plays almost every time he touches the ball.
4. Troy Jauregui, Queen Creek Casteel, Sr.
He had a 98-yard kickoff return for a TD against Brophy Prep in an Open Division state playoff game. He had an 83-yard punt return for a touchdown against Peoria Centennial in the 6A championship win. He was named the Offensive MVP of that game. He averaged 30 yards on 18 kickoff returns and 23 yards on 19 punt returns last season.
5. Jaylee Abraham, Peoria Centennial, Jr.
A tremendous running back who had more than 30 rushing TDs last year at Tucson Desert View, he's equally a big-time threat to return kicks for touchdowns. He was among the leaders last year. He should get plenty of opportunities this year for Centennial.
6. Brody Crick, Eagar Round Valley, Sr.
This dazzling running back was fifth in the state in punt returns last year, averaging 26.3 yards a return for the 3A state champions.
7. Jaylen Singleton, Gilbert Perry, Sr.
He's going to get lots of touches as a fleet-footed slot receiver. But watch for him to take off on kickoff and punt returns. Dangerous with the ball in his hands.
8. Dom Dickerson, Scottsdale Christian, Sr.
He averaged 21 yards per return for the 2A champs last year. Included was a 65-yard return. He is also a home run hitter as a wide receiver for what should be a potent offense.
9. Deshown Johnson, Gilbert Highland, Sr.
Great speed, excellent moves; he's got what it takes to take it to the house on kickoffs and punts.
10. Miles Woods, Phoenix Maryvale, Sr.
He's got different gears and can run past the defenders any time he touches the ball.
Richard Obert has been covering high school sports since the 1980s for The Arizona Republic. Catch the best high school sports coverage in the state. Sign up for Azcentral Preps Now. And be sure to subscribe to our daily sports newsletters so you don't miss a thing. To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:@azc_obert
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Vote. Republic's Top 10 Arizona HS football kick returners in 2026