January Stock-Risers: 2027 WRs

We recently released our January <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/updated-2027-north-carolina-rankings/">2027 Rankings Update</a>, and it's time to break down the players who tell the story of the update. I've hit a couple of big-picture items so far, namely <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/three-things-to-know-about-the-class-of-2027/">three things to know</a> about the class and my traditional <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/behind-the-scenes-of-the-2027-rankings-january-update/">behind-the-scenes piece</a>. We've been oscillating between the offense and defense so far this week, and here, we're breaking down the 2027 wide receivers who rose in the rankings.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2027 WR Stock-Risers</h2>    Seemingly, every time something positive happened for 8A power Hoggard, Durand was in the middle of it. His ball skills are among the best in the state, and he's at his best when he's asked to get behind the defense and make the play. That being said, he also flashed more ability after the catch this season, and with a bit more weight, that's a part of his game that we think he could continue to improve.     There was, at one point, some thought on our part that Latimore could become a future tight end, but the junior improved his speed and release package to the point that he's clearly a receiver. That being said, Cox Mill often uses him as an H-Back because he's an impressive blocker. He changes speeds well and tracks the ball in the air with the best of them.     Heavner battled injuries over the latter half of the season to the detriment of his Cherryville team, but before he went down, he was on pace for nearly 1,500 yards, mostly as a running back. We like him best as a receiver, where he gets to operate more in space, but this year, he showed he can shine as a running back as well.     Thompson is one of the fastest-rising recruits in the state, regardless of class or position. We had him slated to fly up our board, and thought we'd beaten Power Four teams to the punch, then a flurry of ACC offers poured in for the smooth route-runner. It takes about 30 seconds of highlight tape to see everything you need to see from a top receiver: speed, elusiveness, hands, route-running, and ability at the catch point. He's a surefire Power Four talent.     Thompson-Wynn could be listed as an athlete, but we like him best as a receiver, at this point. He can absolutely fly, but more than that, he has the vision of a running back to find the open field and avoid defenders. Every time he's on the field, he impacts the game, whether as a receiver, defensive back, or kick returner. He was second in the state in receiver, the only player with four special teams touchdowns, and picked off five passes. We have him ranked above where most of his current recruiting interest is coming from.     Luang-Sy has been on our radar for a while as a guy who could eventually break out. He got better and better as the season progressed, finishing with 393 yards and four touchdowns in his final four games of the year. He's an intriguing slot option, at his best after the catch, but he also flashed some down-the-field potential and ball skills.     North Carolina has produced a number of tall, athletic receivers who have trouble with the other aspects of playing receiver, like getting open and catching the ball. The 6'5" Freeman has no trouble in those latter categories, as he's seemingly always open out of his breaks and is a threat after the catch. With his athletic profile and his ability at the catch point, he's an intriguing FBS prospect.     Dillon takes over as the top receiver in our 2027 rankings, despite hauling in just 11 passes this season. I was wildly impressed with his highlights as a quarterback, to the point that I'd offer him as a quarterback at the FCS or Group of Five level. But, he's a Power Four receiver, with speed, hands, and the ability to create separation.     If Collins were 6', 175 pounds, he'd be in contention for the top overall prospect in the state. Pound-for-pound, he's that good. He has one of the best releases in the state and can win at the line, at the top of routes, or even at the catch point. Take one look at his <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2SkhnJ">highlights</a>, and you'll see the talent. It's easy to see how he surpassed 1,000 yards this season, with his combination of speed, route-running, and hands.    There's plenty to come from Matt Morrow, Joshua Graham, and me on the 2027 rankings over the next week. Stay locked in with Prep Redzone for more insights, evaluations, and rankings updates. Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Promo code Helms30 will get them 30% off their first billing cycle for any subscription.

We recently released our January 2027 Rankings Update, and it's time to break down the players who tell the story of the update. I've hit a couple of big-picture items so far, namely three things to know about the class and my traditional behind-the-scenes piece. We've been oscillating between the offense and defense so far this week, and here, we're breaking down the 2027 wide receivers who rose in the rankings.