Kick/Punt Return
And here we are. Score tied. Who will win? There is no greater standard in determining the versatility of a player than his returns. Kick and punt returns are explosive. They require agility, awareness, and speed. Bowden and Cobb are both known for electric returns, but who was best? Queue the career stats, please.
Kick Returns
Lynn Bowden Jr.
Kick Returns: 69
Kick Return Yards: 1571
Kick Return Average: 22.8
Kick Return TD’s: 0
Randall Cobb
Kick Returns: 44
Kick Return Yards: 1018
Kick Return Average: 24.6
Kick Return TD’s: 0
Punt Returns
Lynn Bowden Jr.
Punt Returns: 9
Punt Return Yards: 199
Punt Return Average: 22.1
Punt Return TD’s: 2
Randall Cobb
Punt Returns: 63
Punt Return Yards: 619
Punt Return Average: 9.8
Punt Return TD’s: 2
Again, what a close race. We find ourselves looking at a larger sample size for Randall Cobb in regards to punt returns, but despite the smaller numbers, Bowden’s superpower reveals itself: two touchdowns off of nine attempts. This time, the season-bests will be conclusive in this winner-takes-all study.
Kick Returns
Lynn Bowden Jr.
Kick Returns: 37 (2017 season)
Kick Return Yards: 869 (2017 season)
Kick Return Average: 23.5 (2017 season)
Kick Return TD’s: 0
Randall Cobb
Kick Returns: 31 (2010 season)
Kick Return Yards: 736 (2010 season)
Kick Return Average: 23.7 (2010 season)
Kick Return TD’s: 0
Punt Returns
Lynn Bowden Jr.
Punt Returns: 5 (2018 season)
Punt Return Yards: 146 (2018 season)
Punt Return Average: 29.2 (2018 season)
Punt Return TD’s: 2 (2018 season)
Randall Cobb
Punt Returns: 28 (2010 season)
Punt Return Yards: 308 (2009 season)
Punt Return Average: 12.8 (2009 season)
Punt Return TD’s: 1 (2009 & 2010 season)
There you have it. All of the numbers. Every piece of data that is worthy of deeming the most versatile player in University of Kentucky football history. So, after absorbing the final category, who takes home the hardware?