Western North Carolina Wide Receiver Rankings
The Citizen Times has released its preseason rankings of the top 10 wide receivers in Western North Carolina for the 2026 season, inviting community voting that closes on June 18 at noon.
Jams Skyes of Asheville High leads the early conversation after a breakout 2025 campaign in which he amassed 856 yards and 10 touchdowns on 42 receptions. His performance has kept him at the forefront of discussions among coaches and analysts.
Joining him are several other standouts: Tsu‑la Howlingcrane from Cherokee, who recorded 23 catches for 376 yards and three touchdowns; Dre'Shun Smith of Christ School, who posted 543 yards on 29 catches with five receiving scores; and Gianni Thompson from Hendersonville, who reached 504 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 33 catches.
Jay'Ron Moore of McDowell added 31 passes for 591 yards and eight touchdowns, while Styler Blackwell of Polk County contributed 36 catches for five touchdowns and 711 receiving yards. The list also features Tristan Thompson‑Wynn, a transfer to Roberson who exploded for 1,450 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2025, and Isaiah Hyatt from Tuscola, who logged 43 receptions for three touchdowns and 626 yards last season.
A Transfer with Immediate Impact
Thompson‑Wynn's move to Roberson has generated particular excitement, as his 1,450‑yard, 20‑touchdown output suggests he could reshape the receiving landscape this year. His presence adds a new dynamic to the rankings and underscores the fluidity of high school talent in the region.
Fans eager to influence the preseason award can cast their votes online before the noon deadline on June 18. The outcome will be announced shortly thereafter, highlighting the community's role in shaping the narrative for the upcoming season.