After living and dying on deep routes last season, Nicholson has become a more complete receiver as a senior. The Charlotte commit can beat teams over the top with speed or underneath with yards after the catch. His route tree is more diverse this season, but while he has more ways to beat defenses, he’s still thriving as a sure-handed playmaker.

Donte had a couple of short catches, however his effect on the game isn’t seen in the stats. Donte had at least four pass interference penalties called on Mallard Creek defenders covering him, and it ended up being a real weapon to keep drives alive for the Lions. The Mavericks could not stay with Donte on any downfield routes, and I think the attention he drew from the defense opened up his teammates to have some big games statistically. Donte is committed to Charlotte, and they got a good one with him.

Jamouri’s favorite receiver was Charlotte commit Donte Nicholson Donte Nicholson 6'0" | 170 lbs | WR West Charlotte | 2026 State NC , who showed that the 49ers may have gotten a steal. Donte had 6 catches for 95 yards with a touchdown, and was the primary target on the two-point conversion play that could have potentially won the game for the Lions. Donte showed excellent route running, speed, and strong hands to consistently play well on Friday Night.

Donte Nicholson Donte Nicholson 6'0" | 170 lbs | WR West Charlotte | 2026 State NC was the guy on the outside for West Charlotte last season. A dependable playmaker all year, he cemented his legacy by scoring the game-clinching touchdown in the state championship. Big-time players make big-time plays

Donte Nicholson Donte Nicholson 6'0" | 170 lbs | WR West Charlotte | 2026 State NC | WR | West Charlotte HS | Class of 2026

Donte Nicholson Donte Nicholson 6'0" | 170 lbs | WR West Charlotte | 2026 State NC was the top wide receiver at the camp—an eye-opener for those who may not have been familiar with his game. He put on a clinic, showcasing elite explosiveness, crisp route running, and an impressive catch radius. If the ball was anywhere near him, it was his.

Nicholson’s athleticism and hands stood out in every drill, and he consistently separated from defenders with smooth footwork and acceleration. Despite playing in a run-heavy system at West Charlotte that limits his touches, Donte’s skill set is undeniable. He’s a true vertical threat who can stretch the field, but also possesses the body control and toughness to make contested catches over the middle.

His recruitment is starting to trend upward, but he still remains one of the most overlooked receivers in the 2026 class. Nicholson is a hidden gem whose best football is still ahead of him—and when the opportunities come, he’s going to explode.

Despite having a few early offers, we were lower on Nicholson and we’ve corrected that in this update. A dynamic playmaker, Nicholson is versatile. He does a lot of his damage on screens and sweeps, yet still flashes excellent downfield ball skills and hands. He’s a guy who could blossom into an early college contributor and he’s hot on the recruiting trail, picking up half a dozen recent offers.

Watching Donte’s highlights, he is a big-play threat from anywhere on the field. Donte consistently torches man coverage, gaining separation on long routes with impressive speed. Donte shows soft hands catching the ball – even making an impressive one-hand catch over the middle look simple. Donte also has impressive short space agility and quickness, as he shows on reverses and in the screen/quick passing game. Donte has received several offers from college programs, and he stands to get even more recruiting attention as I think he should have a strong camp season coming up.

Donte has a penchant for making big plays in big games – he caught a touchdown pass in West Charlotte’s championship game victory over 71st as a prime example. Donte has very good speed, strong hands, and knows how to get open against both man and zone coverages. Donte has some deserved recruiting interest from colleges, and in all honesty, he should have a lot more coming his way. Big time players will always make this Junior Bowl team, that’s who Donte is.