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<p>As we approach the season, realignment is at the top of my mind. For the first time, North Carolina is going to an 8A system, which will further stratify the schools. So, over the next couple of months, I'm going through classifications to highlight the players fans will need to know.</p>
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<p>We've arrived at the wide receivers. We tend to see more small-school products excel early at receiver, and this group is no different. Here are the top 1A/2A WRs to know.</p>
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<p><strong>Other 1A/2A Positions:</strong></p>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/1a-2a-qbs-to-know/">QBs</a></li>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/1a-2a-rbs-to-know/">RBs</a></li>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top 1A/2A WRs</h2>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Payne makes an impact on both sides of the ball and he's a guy who seems to be flying a bit under the recruiting radar. He has excellent ball skills and the size and speed to win deep as a receiver. As a safety, he shows good anticipation to read the quarterbacks' eyes and isn't afraid to mix it up in the running game. He's a solid route-runner who can create separation at the top of his routes in and out of his breaks.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Holt is a well-rounded receiver who plays both sides of the ball and flashes elite potential. He has excellent speed and plays bigger than his frame suggests, with multiple highlight-reel contested catches on film. He can really run and that helps him both before and after the catch as he's able to both create separation in his routes and beat players with the ball in his hands.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">While Thompson's size jumps off the page, he's more than a big body. Sure, his height lends itself well to winning with the ball in the air, but he displays more skill than simply being bigger than his competition. When the ball is in the air, he's one of the best and he can work some after the catch as well.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Heavner is listed as a receiver and running back and he's one of the few across the state who truly does both. He finished with over 500 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards last season, playing some on defense as well. That running back skill set translates and he's one of the best players in the class with the ball in his hands after the catch. I expect him to run a few more routes down the field this season, but he's always going to be at his best on screens and other quick throws.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Ramseur had a huge freshman season, finishing with over 800 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He contributed in every phase of the game, scoring as a rusher, receiver, kick returner, and picking off a pass on defense. Don't let his size fool you, he's electric in the open field and is a threat to take every catch to the endzone, regardless of where he gets the ball.</p>
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<p><em>Who did we miss? The best way to get on our radar is to reach out on Twitter (<a href="https://x.com/whelms21">@whelms21</a>) your name, film, and any relevant stats. Want to send this to someone who doesn't subscribe? Promo Code Helms30 will give them 30% off their first billing cycle.</em></p>
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As we approach the season, realignment is at the top of my mind. For the first time, North Carolina is going to an 8A system, which will further stratify the schools. So, over the next couple of months, I'm going through classifications to highlight the players fans will need to know.
HEIGHT
6'0"
WEIGHT
185
POS
WR
CLASS
2026
State:
North Carolina
School:
Murphy
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HEIGHT
6'0"
WEIGHT
175
POS
WR
CLASS
2026
State:
North Carolina
School:
South Stanly
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HEIGHT
6'2"
WEIGHT
195
POS
WR
CLASS
2026
State:
North Carolina
School:
Hobbton
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HEIGHT
5'11"
WEIGHT
170
POS
WR/RB
CLASS
2027
State:
North Carolina
School:
Cherryville
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HEIGHT
5'9"
WEIGHT
140
POS
WR/DB
CLASS
2028
State:
North Carolina
School:
Mountain Island Charter School
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