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2026 Wide Receiver Check-in: Week 5

2026 Wide Receiver Check-in: Week 5
Photo: Prep redzone
Will Helms
Will Helms September 17, 2024 @ 11:29 AM
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In this article:

Chaz Portis
Chaz Portis 5'10" | 160 lbs | WR | 2026
NC
Alex Voss
Alex Voss 6'3" | 190 lbs | WR | 2026
NC
Tyreek Copper
Tyreek Copper 6'2" | 180 lbs | WR | 2026
NC
Kelson Tate
Kelson Tate 5'8" | 175 lbs | WR | 2026
NC
Ethan Driver
Ethan Driver 6'2" | 170 lbs | WR | 2026
NC
Jaire Richburg
Jaire Richburg 6'4" | 180 lbs | WR | 2026
NC
Tyran Evans
Tyran Evans 6'3" | 170 lbs | WR | 2026
NC
Gavin Waddell
Gavin Waddell 6'0" | 165 lbs | WR | 2026
NC
Brody Keefe
Brody Keefe 6'3" | 185 lbs | WR | 2026
NC
Gordon Sellars
Gordon Sellars 6'2" | 185 lbs | WR | 2026
NC
Fisher Leftwich
Fisher Leftwich 6'0" | 165 lbs | WR | 2026
NC
Ryan Payne
Ryan Payne 6'0" | 185 lbs | WR | 2026
NC
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This week, I'm focused on the junior class. I've already done check-ins on the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/09/2026-quarterbacks-check-in-week-5/">2026 quarterbacks</a> and the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/09/2026-running-back-check-in-week-5/">junior running backs</a>. Here, I'm moving on to look at the 2026 wide receivers that have caught my eye early. Like I've done in those other pieces, I'll check in on the top three guys in our rankings and then scout a few more who have had strong starts to the season and who could be poised for a move up our rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's my 2026 wide receiver check-in.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Midseason Junior Wide Receiver Check-In</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["800901"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66e9a07c7ba07"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sellars has a great feel for finding the soft spot in zone coverage and has great balance and body control. What's really impressed me this year is his motor and willingness to do the dirty work. On a team of stars, he doesn't have an ego and many of his highlights are of him blocking 20 yards downfield for a teammate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He still has the physicality and hands of a top receiver though. The little things are great, but magnified by the fact that Sellars is an incredibly gifted athlete.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["832280"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66e9a07c7ba70"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Keefe has been unselfish this year as his primary job has been to draw coverage and open up space for his teammates. [player_tooltip player_id='1671887' first='Chaz' last='Portis'] has been the primary beneficiary, but Keefe has still put up decent numbers early. He has 11 catches for 176 yards and a touchdown and just missed a long touchdown in the opener after he couldn't quite get his feet in bounds on a fantastic catch. He continues to high point the ball as well as anyone in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1070820"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66e9a435a3a44"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Richburg does all of the things you'd expect to see from a smaller receiver, except he's also 6'4." He excels after the catch and has great nuance inboth his route running and movement after the catch. He can run by defenders, around defenders, and through defenders. Richburg also does the things you'd expect from a bigger receiver, like high point the ball and use his body to shield defenders. He's a complete receiver off to a strong junior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2026 Wide Receivers Impressing Early</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are a host of receivers off to strong starts, so while we don't have the space to talk about them all, we wanted to highlight a few who have impressed early.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1321106"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66e9a854d2ce7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tate doesn't get the recognition that some of his teammates get, but he's been integral to Weddington's early success this year. His impact hasn't just been limited to the slot as Weddington has done a great job of putting him in stacks and other formations to take advantage of his abilities against man coverage. He's not the biggest guy, but he's not afraid to lower his shoulder and run over defenders near the goal line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["945238"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66e9a854d2d6d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I'm not sure if anyone has done more to raise his stock this year than Evans, who is off to a scorching start. After putting up just over 200 yards last season, Evans surpassed that by the fifth quarter of the season, going for over 140 yards in each of the first two games of the year. Evans has shown an ability to beat coverages deep, even at his size and he's put himself firmly on the map of Power Four schools. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1368098"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66e9a854d2dd4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Copper is off to a fantastic start to his junior year and though he's playing at a smaller school, he isn't winning primarily with athleticism (though he has plenty of that). Apparently he worked on his release package in the offseason (probably taking tips from his dad) and his release off the line might be the best in the state. He catches almost everything sent his way and he's a guy we're ready to bump in the next rankings update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other 2026 Wide Receivers Off To Strong Starts</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some more guys we've liked early. Myabe we'll break them down with full scouting reports later this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1455237' first='Alex' last='Voss'], Marvin Ridge</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1148569' first='Ethan' last='Driver'], Davie</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='832437' first='Gavin' last='Waddell'], Rolesville</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1671887' first='Chaz' last='Portis'], Myers </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='705385' first='Fisher' last='Leftwich'], North Surry</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='534743' first='Ryan' last='Payne'], Murphy</h3> <!-- /wp:heading -->

This week, I'm focused on the junior class. I've already done check-ins on the 2026 quarterbacks and the junior running backs. Here, I'm moving on to look at the 2026 wide receivers that have caught my eye early. Like I've done in those other pieces, I'll check in on the top three guys in our rankings and then scout a few more who have had strong starts to the season and who could be poised for a move up our rankings.

Clemson
Gordon Sellars

Gordon Sellars

NC
WR
HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 185
POS WR
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Gordon
Sellars WR
Class
2026
Height
6'2"
Weight
185
HS
Providence Day
|
NC
2026 Wide Receiver Check-in: Week 5
Sellars has a great feel for finding the soft spot in zone coverage and has great balance and...
Written by Will Helms
Clemson
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Gordon Sellars

Twitter
State: North Carolina
School: Providence Day
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Duke
Brody Keefe

Brody Keefe

NC
WR
HEIGHT 6'3"
WEIGHT 185
POS WR
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Brody
Keefe WR
Class
2026
Height
6'3"
Weight
185
HS
Myers Park
|
NC
2026 Wide Receiver Check-in: Week 5
Keefe has been unselfish this year as his primary job has been to draw coverage and open up...
Written by Will Helms
Duke
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Brody Keefe

Instagram Twitter
State: North Carolina
School: Myers Park
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

North Carolina State
Jaire Richburg

Jaire Richburg

NC
WR
HEIGHT 6'4"
WEIGHT 180
POS WR
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Jaire
Richburg WR
Class
2026
Height
6'4"
Weight
180
HS
East Forsyth
|
NC
2026 Wide Receiver Check-in: Week 5
Richburg does all of the things you’d expect to see from a smaller receiver, except he’s also 6’4.”...
Written by Will Helms
North Carolina State
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jaire Richburg

State: North Carolina
School: East Forsyth
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Delaware State
Kelson Tate

Kelson Tate

NC
WR
HEIGHT 5'8"
WEIGHT 175
POS WR
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Kelson
Tate WR
Class
2026
Height
5'8"
Weight
175
HS
Weddington
|
NC
2026 Wide Receiver Check-in: Week 5
Tate doesn’t get the recognition that some of his teammates get, but he’s been integral to Weddington’s early...
Written by Will Helms
Delaware State
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Kelson Tate

Twitter
State: North Carolina
School: Weddington
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Miami (FL)
Tyran Evans

Tyran Evans

NC
WR
HEIGHT 6'3"
WEIGHT 170
POS WR
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Tyran
Evans WR
Class
2026
Height
6'3"
Weight
170
HS
William A. Hough
|
NC
2026 Wide Receiver Check-in: Week 5
I’m not sure if anyone has done more to raise his stock this year than Evans, who is...
Written by Will Helms
Miami (FL)
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Tyran Evans

Twitter
State: North Carolina
School: William A. Hough
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

North Carolina State
Tyreek Copper

Tyreek Copper

NC
WR
HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 180
POS WR
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Tyreek
Copper WR
Class
2026
Height
6'2"
Weight
180
HS
Kinston
|
NC
2026 Wide Receiver Check-in: Week 5
Copper is off to a fantastic start to his junior year and though he’s playing at a smaller...
Written by Will Helms
North Carolina State
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Tyreek Copper

Instagram Twitter
State: North Carolina
School: Kinston
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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