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Size
Several receivers in the 2027 class stand out immediately because of their physical frames and length.
University’s Luke Byrer brings excellent length to the position and uses it well to extend for passes. A standout basketball player as well, his body control and ability to play above defenders show up clearly on film.
Morgantown’s Tanzer George and Woodrow Wilson’s Javontae Wynes also display strong physical traits. Both use their size effectively to shield defenders and win contested catches downfield.
Independence’s Carson Treadway, a transfer from Oak Hill, may have the most intriguing physical profile of the group. After testing extremely well at multiple showcases, he pairs that athleticism with legitimate size and strength, making him a difficult matchup wherever he lines up.
Speed
Speed remains one of the most coveted traits at receiver, and several players in the 2027 class bring game-breaking acceleration.
Fairmont Senior’s Rudy Carrillo turned strong showcase testing numbers into real production during the 2025 season, translating that burst into big plays on film.
Bluefield’s Jamarius Smith showed similar explosiveness, highlighted by a massive performance in the state championship game where his speed consistently stressed the defense.
Washington’s Philip Shields may be one of the most underrated playmakers in the state. His ability to score whenever he touches the ball makes him dangerous whether lined up at receiver or used in other offensive roles.
Herbert Hoover’s Kno’Sean Hampton utilizes his athleticism across all three phases of the game, combining speed with strong overall playmaking ability.
Other speedy names worth tracking include Martinsburg’s Arden Marshall, Linsly’s Chris Upton, University’s Kyle Weaver, and Bluefield’s Tylee Simon, all of whom show excellent burst despite slightly smaller frames.
Breakouts
Receiver is always one of the deepest position groups in the state, and several players could easily push their way into the top tier by the end of the 2026 season.
Spring Mills’ Douglas Mayer is one of the most intriguing athletes in the class, with elite acceleration and deceleration that allow him to create separation quickly. If his development continues and he performs well on the camp circuit, he could see his recruitment take off.
Former Spring Mills receiver Zane Wipf, now at Martinsburg, is another player to watch. Though slightly undersized, he checks many boxes with his speed, hands, and natural playmaking instincts.
Kai Martin, who transferred from George Washington to Chapmanville, also has the tools to make a major impact. His blend of length, speed, and ability to high-point the football could flourish in his new environment. Berkeley Springs’ Kyle Moore made a huge impression at last year’s showcase and followed it with record-breaking production in 2025 as a do-it-all offensive weapon. Tug Valley’s Cameron Slone has also produced consistently over multiple seasons, demonstrating the ability to make difficult catches whenever the ball is thrown his way.
Statistically, there are some other high producers to note such as Pendleton County’s Britton Lough, Tucker County’s Cayden Arnold, Mingo Central’s Terrindez Bryant, and Cameron’s Soier Reed.
5. Donte Newsome
Huntington’s Donte Newsome managed to stand out even within a loaded offensive roster. The 6-foot-2, 165-pound receiver uses his length and stride well to stretch defenses vertically.
Newsome is capable of getting behind coverage for explosive plays, but he also showed production in the short and intermediate game as his route tree continued to develop. With his size and ability to threaten defenses downfield, he should draw strong Division II attention with potential Division I interest depending on system fit.
4. Andreas Reese
Another Huntington standout, Andreas Reese fits the mold of many productive Highlander receivers before him. Though slightly smaller in stature at around 5-foot-9, 170 pounds, his route running and timing stand out immediately.
Reese consistently creates separation with crisp routes and shows excellent reactions to the football. Once the ball is in his hands, his agility and burst allow him to generate yards after the catch. With a larger role likely in 2026, a major statistical jump would not be surprising.
3. Kaleil Lewis
University’s Kaleil Lewis brings one of the most unique physical profiles in the class. At 6-foot-4 and over 200 pounds, he combines rare length with impressive athletic ability.
Lewis covers ground quickly with long strides and possesses the wingspan to dominate contested catch situations. His athleticism has also translated defensively, where he showed the ability to contribute at safety after previously projecting as a potential edge rusher. With that level of physical upside, it would not be surprising to see Division I programs evaluate him as a receiver or another position.
1. Hayden George
Few players in the state impacted games like Hayden George during the 2025 season. After showing flashes as a sophomore, he exploded statistically with 93 receptions for 1,323 yards and 11 touchdowns, while also making plays defensively with seven interceptions.
George’s game can best be described with one word: playmaker. Whether catching a short pass and turning it into a long gain, getting behind coverage, or making a tough contested catch, he consistently looks to create something after every touch. His success comes less from overwhelming size or speed and more from natural football instincts—finding separation, making defenders miss, and producing big plays.
1. Boston Todd
Martinsburg’s Boston Todd shares the top spot after delivering on the high expectations he carried into the 2025 season. The 6-foot-1, 170-pound athlete produced over 2,100 all-purpose yards and 28 touchdowns, while also contributing three interceptions on defense.
Todd’s greatest trait is his ability to find openings. Whether running routes downfield, working underneath, or catching quick passes behind the line, he consistently positions himself where the ball should go. His natural athleticism allows him to cover ground quickly and fluidly, traits that are also evident in his success as a returner.
One of the most dynamic overall athletes in the state, Todd projects as a player who should receive significant Division I attention moving forward.
RECRUIT THEM
Social media of players listed above, if found (ABC order):
Andreas Reese — Huntington (https://x.com/Andreas4Reese)
Luke Byrer — University (https://x.com/lukebyrer1)
Rudy Carrillo — Fairmont Senior (https://x.com/rudycarrillo_6)
Hayden George — University (https://x.com/HaydenjGeorge)
Tanzer George — Morgantown (https://x.com/TanzerGeorge8)
Kno’Sean Hampton — Herbert Hoover (https://x.com/knoseanhampton)
Kaleil Lewis — University (https://x.com/kaleil_lewis5)
Kai Martin — Chapmanville (https://x.com/KaiMartin08)
Douglas Mayer — Spring Mills (https://x.com/DJ_mis5)
Arden Marshall — Martinsburg (https://x.com/amarsh_1)
Donte Newsome — Huntington (https://x.com/DonteNewsome)
Philip Shields — Washington (https://x.com/Phillipshi3)
Tylee Simon — Bluefield (https://x.com/Tylees304)
Boston Todd — Martinsburg (https://x.com/Bostontodd6)
Carson Treadway — Independence (https://x.com/CarsonTr27)
Chris Upton — Linsly (https://x.com/Christo24353705)
Kyle Weaver — University (https://x.com/KyleWeaver03)
Zane Wipf — Spring Mills (https://x.com/WipfZane)
Javontae Wynes — Woodrow Wilson (https://x.com/javontae_wynes)