Brennan Chambers’ Rise: From First-Time Football Player to Marshall Signee Helping Lead Kinston’s Championship Push
Brennan Chambers’ Rise: From First-Time Football Player to Marshall Signee Leading Kinston’s Championship Push
KINSTON — Two years ago, few could have predicted the path Brennan Chambers would take. A lifelong basketball-first athlete, Chambers didn’t put on football pads until his junior season at Spring Creek High School. Today, the 6-foot-5 wide receiver is one of the most electrifying playmakers in Eastern North Carolina — and now a Marshall University signee — helping guide Kinston High School to a state championship appearance.
Chambers’ football journey began almost on a whim. After years of prioritizing basketball — where he averaged 17.5 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1.5 blocks per game in his final season at Spring Creek — he tried football for the first time as a junior. The results were remarkable: 33 receptions, 1,057 yards and 12 touchdowns in year one.
That breakout season opened the door for his transfer to Kinston High School, where Chambers immediately emerged as a centerpiece of the Vikings’ offense. In his first season wearing blue and gold, he has collected 64 catches for 1,002 yards and 14 touchdowns — helping push Kinston all the way to the state title game.
What has made Kinston even more dangerous is the receiver room itself. Chambers lines up beside NC State commit Tyreek Copper, forming one of the best 1–2 wide receiver tandems in North Carolina. Between Chambers’ deep-threat ability and Copper’s explosive playmaking, opposing defenses have been stretched thin all season long.
Post–Eastern Regional Finals: Chambers Reflects on His Journey
Fresh off Kinston’s win in the Eastern Regional Finals, Chambers spoke with emotion about just how far he has come.
“I am very happy,” he said. “I never thought this would ever happen. I’m coming from a school that couldn’t make the playoffs — now I’m in the sixth round going to the state championship.”
A huge part of that success has been his connection with quarterback Tyler Jones, one of the most dynamic pass-and-catch duos in the state.
“Tyler knows where I want the ball,” Chambers said. “No matter who is on me, Tyler is gonna get me that ball.”
National Signing Day (Feb. 3): Chambers Makes It Official With Marshall
Just a week earlier, on National Signing Day, Chambers celebrated another milestone when he officially committed to Marshall University.
“I am very excited,” he said. “I’m ready to get to college and perform like I know how I can perform.”
Chambers also expressed deep appreciation for those who helped him along the way.
“I have enjoyed the grind I have put in, everybody here and all the coaches that helped me get here,” he said. Asked what kind of player Marshall is getting, he responded confidently:
“A deep threat specialist.”
He also thanked those who elevated him during the journey.
“I like to thank my family for always being with me, no matter what,” he said. “Good games, bad games didn’t matter — they were always with me.
I would like to thank Coach Cop (Terrance Copper) for getting me right. He is the main reason I am getting better and better every day.”
Family Pride and the Team Copper Influence
Chambers’ father, Derrick Gunn, has watched his son’s unexpected football career unfold with pride.
“I am super proud,” Gunn said. “Brennan started out as a basketball player, so I never really thought I would be sitting here today. He’s a great kid, he does good in school, and you just can’t ask for anything else as a parent.”
He remembers the turning point clearly.
“He started playing football with his friends at Spring Creek and that’s when he realized he was pretty good. Then he started to get serious about it. We started 7-on-7 with Team Copper, and Terrance took his game to a complete level. Terrance told me before we started, ‘I’ll make sure your son is ready for college.’”
His mother, Devona Chambers Gunn, shared the emotional weight of watching her son prepare for the next chapter.
“I am beyond proud, I can’t even explain,” she said. “It’s joy and sadness at the same time. I call him my big baby for a reason — he’s a joy. I am going to miss him.”
The Kinston Impact
Kinston head coach Ryan Gielseman has witnessed firsthand the transformation Chambers brought to the program.
“The impact he has brought to this program in this short period of time has been huge,” Gielseman said. “Watching Brennan develop into what he has this year has been huge. He is a student-athlete that our athletes should model to be on his level.”
From a basketball standout to a breakout football star, from Spring Creek newcomer to Kinston’s go-to receiver and a Division I signee, Chambers’ rise has been remarkable. And as he lines up beside Tyreek Copper — forming one of the premier wide receiver tandems in the state — Kinston enters the state championship with firepower few teams can match.
The story of Brennan Chambers is only getting started.
