1A/2A Wide Receivers To Know

Will Helms June 11, 2026 @ 12:13 PM

Summer is one of my favorite parts of the Prep Redzone Calendar because everyone is excited to gear up for the season. One thing I loved last year was taking the time to break down players by classification. Players in the smaller classifications get overlooked, and it can be helpful to spotlight the guys who will play huge roles in the playoff picture. Here, we'll look at five wide receivers to know in North Carolina's 1A and 2A classifications.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Five 1A/2A WRs to Know in 2026</h2>   Editor's Note: Check out our other 1A/2A pieces: <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/1a-2a-quarterbacks-to-know/">QBs</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/1a-2a-rbs-to-know-cameron-clem-leads-strong-class/">RBs</a>   Finding talented pass-catchers at the lower classifications can be difficult, given that most smaller schools have run-heavy offenses, but there are still plenty of talented players out wide.   Jackson Bodenhamer | North Stokes   Bodenheimer was the top receiver in the 1A class last season, and he's a legitimate college prospect. Also a linebacker, he's physical, disciplined, and an excellent route-runner. We've gone back and forth about which position we think is his best as a prospect, but regardless, he's a football player. He'll operate a lot underneath, making big catches and moving the chains better than any receiver in the class.   [player_tooltip player_id='2225310' first='Dyaon' last='Norman-Jackson'] | North Rowan   North Rowan was the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/1a-2a-quarterbacks-to-know/">2A class's best passing offense</a>, and the Cavaliers return most of their playmakers and quarterback. The one loss is their top receiver, but Norman-Jackson is actually the top returner in the 2A class in terms of yardage. He eclipsed 1,000 yards last season on just 33 receptions, returning as one of the most explosive receivers in the state. He's quick off the line and excels at creating separation. Norman-Jackson might be the front-runner to lead the 2A class in receiving this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='2113125' first='Thomas' last='Hay'] | Langtree Charter   We initially mentioned Hay before last season when looking at Langtree's initial varsity season, but kind of lost track of him throughout the year. He's one of the smallest receivers in the 2A class, but he's electric with the ball in his hands, and he's tough to bring down. He's just a rising junior, and with a young offense that has worked together for multiple seasons, he should be able to get off to a hot start.   [player_tooltip player_id='1908069' first='Ryley' last='Rodriguez'] | Starmount   Rodriguez is a standout kicker, but he's also a big-play threat on offense. Nobody in the state did more with fewer touches than Rodriguez, who averaged 38 yards per catch on 14 receptions. Starmount doesn't go to the air often, but when it does, it's usually Rodriguez on the other end. Expect another great year from one of the top two-way players in the 2A class.   [player_tooltip player_id='2167302' first='RJ' last='Gist'] | Bishop McGuinness   Gist doesn't have the past production that some of these other guys have, but the Villains lose one of the five 2A receivers with 1,000 yards last year, and they should throw the ball around again in 2026. Gist has the open-field tackle-avoiding ability to thrive after the catch. Expect his volume to tick up, as he's now the go-to guy on that offense.   Our preseason coverage is just getting started. Coaches, if you want your team featured in a team preview, <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeB9YBH_he_sOP-lhvI26XRh0P9vobS8PsVJy_5QCJ4jQLTvQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=118251332469799088451">fill out our survey</a>. Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Help them get 30% off their first billing cycle with promo code Helms30.

Summer is one of my favorite parts of the Prep Redzone Calendar because everyone is excited to gear up for the season. One thing I loved last year was taking the time to break down players by classification. Players in the smaller classifications get overlooked, and it can be helpful to spotlight the guys who will play huge roles in the playoff picture. Here, we'll look at five wide receivers to know in North Carolina's 1A and 2A classifications.