From Kinston to NC State: Tyreek Copper Will Leave as One of North Carolina’s Greatest Receivers Ever
From Kinston to NC State: Tyreek Copper Will Leave as One of North Carolina’s Greatest Receivers Ever
KINSTON — The story of Tyreek Copper isn’t just about dominance — it’s about durability, legacy, and a level of production North Carolina high school football has rarely, if ever, witnessed. A four-year starter who never missed a single game across 50 varsity appearances, Copper’s name is forever stitched into North Carolina’s record books and the heart of a community he transformed.
Last week, on National Signing Day, the inevitable became official — Copper signed with NC State, securing his future as one of the Wolfpack’s next great offensive weapons. His résumé reads like folklore: 269 catches (4th all-time), 4,661 career yards (3rd all-time), 63 receiving touchdowns (3rd all-time). His senior season alone — 98 receptions, 2,013 yards, and 30 touchdowns — ranks among the most prolific ever recorded.
Not only does he lead the state in every major receiving category, but he also ranks 4th in the nation in yards and 1st in the nation in touchdowns. Few athletes nationwide have been as impactful.
A Record-Breaking Legacy That Rewrote State History
Copper steadily climbed the all-time lists over four unforgettable years:
Most consecutive games with a receiving TD in NCHSAA history (16)
Every major receiving record at Kinston High School
2nd-most single-season receiving yards in NC history (2,013)
3rd-most career receiving yards in NC history (4,661)
2nd-most TDs in a single season (30)
3rd-most career receiving TDs in NC history (63)
And that’s before you factor in his two-way impact:
2 career interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and elite special-teams play — averaging 49 yards per punt return with two touchdowns, plus an 18-yard average on kick returns.
“The impact he has brought to this program and community has been huge,” said Kinston head coach Ryan Gielseman. “The team he is going to is getting big-time, blue-chip, blue-collar work ethic guys that are going to see the field very, very soon.”
Family, Faith, and an Unmatched Work Ethic
Copper’s Signing Day speech reflected a young man grounded by gratitude.
“I want to thank my quarterbacks — Quron Ross, Tyler Jones. I can’t throw it to myself,” he said. “I want to thank God for putting me around the right people for this to even happen.”
He credited Kinston’s staff for believing in him early.
“I want to thank Gee (Coach Ryan Gielseman) for allowing me to come in and play as a freshman and help me develop into the man I am today. I want to thank my mom — she has always been there every time, no matter if she was tired or not.”
His father, former NFL veteran Terrance Copper, shaped both his mentality and his drive.
“I want to thank my dad for helping me put in the work,” Tyreek said. “Developing mentally, physically — he always wanted to work with me no matter if he was tired or not. I am very proud. I worked hard for this and sacrificed a lot to make this happen.”
His mother, Kandy Copper, felt the moment deeply.
“I am extremely proud. I am still in awe. It’s just a blessing.”
Asked if his stardom was surprising, she smiled knowingly:
“Actually no. I was looking back at pictures — ever since he was 1 or 2, this is what he has been doing.”
His father, Terrance, stepped out of the coach role and into the dad role:
“I am super proud. This is something he’s been dreaming about. He has amazed his entire career. I'm just proud to be his dad.”
One More Game. The Biggest One Yet.
For all the numbers, highlights, and history he has made, Tyreek Copper still has one game left on his schedule.
And it’s the one he has dreamed about his entire life.
On Saturday, he will take the field in the 3A State Championship against powerhouse Shelby — the final chapter of one of the greatest high school careers ever authored in North Carolina.
A legacy already built.
A community already impacted.
Records already broken.
But the story isn't finished.
Not yet.
