Tyreek Copper Is the Best Wide Receiver in North Carolina — Period.
Kinston’s Tyreek Copper is Ready to Take Over North Carolina: “I Am the Best Wide Receiver in the State”
By Trey Scott | Neuse News Sports
KINSTON — You can’t build greatness overnight, but you can start early. And in the case of Tyreek Copper, Kinston High School’s electric wide receiver, the groundwork began long before Friday night lights.
A three-year starter heading into his senior season, Copper has quietly pieced together one of the most impressive careers in North Carolina high school football. He’s not just Kinston’s top target — he’s a name every defensive coordinator in the state circles when game-planning. And now, as the senior campaign draws near, Copper is done playing it modest.
“I am the best wide receiver in North Carolina,” Copper said with calm, confident conviction. “No doubt in my mind.”
And the numbers support the statement.
Last season, Copper hauled in 77 receptions for 1,391 yards and 16 touchdowns, averaging 18.1 yards per catch and 99.4 receiving yards per game. He finished third in the state in receiving yards, trailing only two graduating seniors. When it came to touchdown grabs, only four players in the entire state — all seniors — found the end zone more than Copper.
That’s elite company. And Tyreek Copper isn’t just knocking on the door. He’s ready to kick it in.
Built from Bloodlines and Grind
Football is in Copper’s DNA. His father, Terrance Copper, played wide receiver at East Carolina University before a nine-year NFL career that included stops with the Cowboys, Saints, and Chiefs. His older brother, Terrance Copper Jr., suited up for North Lenoir and also played at ECU. His mother, Kandy, knows exactly what the path to athletic greatness looks like and doesn’t shy away from holding her son to that standard.
“My family doesn’t tell me what I want to hear — they tell me what I need to hear,” Copper said. “There are times where I think I’m right, and they’ll still push me to do more. And they’re always right.”
That tough love extends beyond the home. After games last season, Copper was often spotted on the field long after the final whistle, catching extra passes from his father, fine-tuning route work, and correcting what went wrong just minutes prior.
“We don’t expect perfection,” Copper said. “But we chase it. That’s the standard.”
From Hooper to Highlight Machine
When Copper first arrived at Kinston, most recognized him as a smooth, shifty basketball guard. But while hoops still plays a part in his story, it was his sophomore season that marked a clear shift — football became the primary focus.
“I always played flag football growing up, worked out with my dad, but I was really thinking basketball was my future,” Copper said. “Sophomore year, I locked in. Football became everything.”
His progression since has been exponential. With 171 career receptions for 2,648 yards and 33 touchdowns, Copper enters his senior season with a chance to eclipse 3,000 yards and approach the 200-catch mark — both of which would rank among the state’s best all-time numbers.
And I’ll say this, having personally covered Copper every step of the way — from his first varsity snap as a freshman to the all-state season he just turned in — he is, without a doubt, the most complete wide receiver I’ve ever covered. He can take the top off a defense, catch everything in his area code, and dunk on you in the gym. He’s a brilliant route runner with elite body control and football IQ, and probably smarter than most in the classroom too. This kid is the real deal — and frankly, there’s no reason every college in North Carolina shouldn’t have offered him by now.
Colleges are missing out.
National Reps, Next-Level Growth
When he’s not lighting up defenses for Kinston, Copper is a focal point for Team Copper, a nationally-recognized 7-on-7 program named after his father. With stops in Maryland and across the East Coast, Copper’s exposure to high-level talent has only sharpened his game.
“That 7-on-7 experience is crucial,” Copper said. “You face guys who don’t just press and play soft zones. They’re elite, they talk, they challenge you. It forces you to find what works and what doesn’t.”
This year’s opening tournament? A 4-1 showing, with their only loss coming in bracket play to the eventual champions. And Copper? He looked like the best athlete on the field.
“My routes have gotten more efficient,” he said. “I’m stronger, faster, and I’m getting to my landmarks with way more power. I can run past guys now. I’ve become more of a deep threat.”
Weight Room Workhorse
Ask anyone around the Kinston program and they’ll tell you — Copper isn’t a part-time talent. His offseason transformation has been just as impressive as his in-season dominance. Under the guidance of head coach Ryan Gieselman and strength coach Vinston Thorpe, Copper has grown tremendously in the weight room.
He’s packed on 15 pounds of muscle over the past six months, now standing at 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, with more pop off the line and physicality through contact.
“I lift five, sometimes six times a week,” Copper said. “Not just to say I went, but to get real work in. Quality reps, focused reps. Even when I don’t want to go, I still go. That’s what separates people.”
Recruitment Heating Up
The recruiting world is starting to take notice. Copper holds offers from Gardner-Webb, Elon, Cornell, and most recently, Campbell. His upcoming summer camp slate is expected to widen that list — and rightfully so.
Still, Copper believes his region plays a role in the slower recruiting push.
“I’m not gonna lie — if I was in Raleigh or Charlotte, I’d probably have double the offers,” he said. “But I’m okay with that. This area is slept on, but if it’s meant for you, you’ll go get it. I’ve seen a lot of guys down here who deserve more. I’m gonna keep working, and the right schools will come.”
The coaches he has spoken with? They’re sold.
“They love the film, they love who I am off the field, and when they ask about my grades, I tell them I’ve got a 4.3 GPA— that changes everything. That’s what I’m most proud of.”
Leadership and Loyalty
Copper’s bond with quarterback Tyler Jones — both at Kinston and with Team Copper — is a weapon in itself. The duo has built chemistry that only comes with years of reps, trust, and understanding.
“He’s crucial,” Copper said. “We’ve been doing this forever. He knows where I’ll be, I know what he’s thinking. That connection doesn’t happen overnight.”
Leaders lead. Following his father's foot. step Tyreek has learned to trust the process and follow the grind.
“My dad knows what I need. I know what I need,” Copper said. “We’re gonna get right.”
Locked In on Greatness
As he enters his final high school season, Copper’s focus is clear: lead Kinston, dominate the new conference, and leave no doubt about his status in the state.
“I’m very appreciative of every offer I’ve received,” he said. “But I’m hungry. I know how hard I’ve worked, I know where I stack up, and I’m coming to prove it every single snap.”
Whether it’s a state title, a breakout summer, or simply earning the respect his game commands, Tyreek Copper is ready to leave no questions unanswered.
“I’ve been doubted, I’ve been overlooked,” he said. “But this year, they’re all gonna see. I’m not just good for Kinston. I’m the best wide receiver in North Carolina.”
