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Hidden Gems: Under-the-Radar Wide Receivers You Need to Know

Hidden Gems: Under-the-Radar Wide Receivers You Need to Know
Photo: Sofia Jordan Prep Redzone
Chase Farris
Chase Farris
July 3, 2025 @ 09:50 AM
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In this article:

JT Cooper
JT Cooper WR | 2026
KY
Triston Taylor
Triston Taylor 5'8" | 155 lbs | WR | 2026
KY
Lucas Shelton
Lucas Shelton 6'2" | 180 lbs | WR | 2026
KY
Kinnett Wills
Kinnett Wills 6'0" | 175 lbs | WR | 2026
KY
<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1373077"],"_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-686698c505d2c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1373077' first='Kinnett' last='Wills'] | WR | Class of 2026 | Russell High School (KY)</strong><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1373077' first='Kinnett' last='Wills'] is a standout wide receiver in Kentucky's 2026 class, known for his versatility, playmaking ability, and academic excellence. Measuring around 6'0", 170 lbs, Wills posted 40 receptions for 698 yards and 8 touchdowns as a junior—leading the Russell High School offense. He's a true three-phase contributor, also making an impact as a cornerback and special teams returner. On defense, he tallied over 25 tackles and 4 interceptions, showing off his ball skills and instincts. Wills is also a 4.0 GPA student, adding high character and coachability to his already impressive on-field résumé.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17333135/675c6870be7a599df67bacb8' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686698c505f1d"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1655626"],"_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-686698c505f75"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1655626' first='Lucas' last='Shelton'] | WR | Class of 2026 | St. Xavier High School (Louisville, KY)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lucas is a developing wideout with ideal size and the potential to stretch the field given his height and yards-per-catch efficiency. His season highlight shows big-play capability, though he's still earning consistency in the offense. He has varsity experience dating to at least 2022 and is projected to grow into a primary receiving option. For Class of 2026, his upside lies in developing route precision, expanded catch volume, and showcasing at spring/summer camps. Continued production and consistent targets this season could position him as a mid-to-upper-tier recruit in Kentucky's 2026 group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17828674/6703f9bf9e210e3e73f02799' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686698c505f9c"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1655649"],"_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-686698c505fe3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1655649' first='JT' last='Cooper'] | WR | Tates Creek High School (Lexington, KY) | Class of 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1655649' first='JT' last='Cooper'] is a productive and technically sound receiving threat. His competitive fire, athletic frame, and consistent varsity role suggest high upside. JT led the team in receiving yards per game at <strong>48.0 YPG</strong>, with 28 catches for 447 yards and eight touchdowns over 10 games. The physical growth and refining his route game will be key as he prepares for senior-season recruitment and postseason recruitment events.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe width=u0022560u0022 height=u0022315u0022 src=u0022https://www.youtube.com/embed/VrbcEX4XMb4?si=pLjW5CQUMHHUpxnau0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686698c50600d"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1655648"],"_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-686698c506057"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1655648' first='Triston' last='Taylor'] | WR | Class of 2026 | Lafayette High School (Lexington, KY)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1655648' first='Triston' last='Taylor'] is a versatile and dynamic rising senior wide receiver at Lafayette High School in Lexington, Kentucky. Known for his quickness, explosiveness, and football IQ, Taylor has steadily grown into a reliable offensive weapon for the Generals. Standing at around 5'7” with a compact, athletic frame, he contributes not only as a receiver but also in multiple roles on offense and special teams. Over his varsity career, Taylor has earned significant playing time and the trust of his coaches, showcasing his ability to make plays in space and adapt to different offensive packages.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17762543/6736f8728d2a5d1af851b40c' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686698c50607b"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->
Kinnett Wills

Kinnett Wills

KY
WR
HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 175
POS WR
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Kinnett
Wills WR
Class
2026
Height
6'0"
Weight
175
HS
Russell County
|
KY
Hidden Gems: Under-the-Radar Wide Receivers You Need to Know
Kinnett Wills | WR | Class of 2026 | Russell High School (KY) Kinnett Wills is a standout...
Written by Chase Farris
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Kinnett Wills

State: Kentucky
School: Russell County
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Lucas Shelton

Lucas Shelton

KY
WR
HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 180
POS WR
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Lucas
Shelton WR
Class
2026
Height
6'2"
Weight
180
HS
St. Xavier
|
KY
Hidden Gems: Under-the-Radar Wide Receivers You Need to Know
Lucas Shelton | WR | Class of 2026 | St. Xavier High School (Louisville, KY) Lucas is a developing...
Written by Chase Farris
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Lucas Shelton

State: Kentucky
School: St. Xavier
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

JT Cooper

JT Cooper

KY
WR
POS WR
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
JT
Cooper WR
Class
2026
HS
Tates Creek
|
KY
Hidden Gems: Under-the-Radar Wide Receivers You Need to Know
JT Cooper | WR | Tates Creek High School (Lexington, KY) | Class of 2026 JT Cooper is...
Written by Chase Farris
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

JT Cooper

State: Kentucky
School: Tates Creek
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Triston Taylor

Triston Taylor

KY
WR
HEIGHT 5'8"
WEIGHT 155
POS WR
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Triston
Taylor WR
Class
2026
Height
5'8"
Weight
155
HS
Tates Creek
|
KY
Hidden Gems: Under-the-Radar Wide Receivers You Need to Know
Triston Taylor | WR | Class of 2026 | Lafayette High School (Lexington, KY) Triston Taylor is a...
Written by Chase Farris
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Triston Taylor

State: Kentucky
School: Tates Creek
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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