Kings Mills to the end zone: Paul Kelly’s 55-yard punt return

Paul Kelly is listed as a receiver. His October 10 touchdown came another way: a 55-yard punt return for Dayton against Morehead State. Kelly is from Kings Mills, Ohio, and played at Kings High School. Dayton player bio Official game book

Kelly fielded the punt at Dayton’s 45-yard line and took it the remaining 55 yards, scoring with 3:19 left in the fourth quarter. Dayton led 42–⁠28 before the return; the touchdown and extra point made it 49–⁠28. The Flyers finished with a 56–⁠28 win. Official game book Dayton recap

The special-teams connection goes back further. As a freshman in 2024, Kelly returned 13 punts for 200 yards. His 15.4-yard average led the Pioneer Football League and ranked fourth in the FCS, according to his Dayton bio. Dayton player bio

Dayton’s original game highlights show the full return. Dayton game highlights

Explore Dayton’s season, or nominate a player from your hometown for a future story.