NC Football News recently released our 2026 North Carolina high school football composite rankings – an aggregate of the top prospects in our state as scouted by 247Sports, On3, Rivals and ESPN.
But North Carolina prep football talent certainly isn’t limited to the names in those rankings. Periodically this spring and summer we’ll spotlight other 2026 players who have been making their marks on the gridiron and the classroom – and gaining attention on the recruiting trail.
Today’s 2026 Spotlight three-pack includes:
Tyreek Copper (Kinston) – A speedy, shifty playmaker who can change the game with a single touch.
Zach Cullen (Sun Valley) – A tough, downhill runner who thrives on contact—and can flip the field as a punter.
Jonathan Manson (Franklinton) – A high-IQ defender with elite pursuit and coverage skills, plus a Tae Kwon Do background.
Tyreek Copper | Kinston High
📍 Hometown: Kinston
🏈 Position: Wide Receiver
📢 Recruiting Update: Reported first Division I offers from Gardner-Webb and Elon this month … attended Junior Day at Charlotte on Feb. 1.
💡 Scouting Report:
- Big-play machine with a highlight reel full of breakaway touchdowns and explosive plays.
- Made 77 catches for 1,391 yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior.
- Has 33 career receiving touchdowns
- Boasts a 4.2 GPA heading into the spring semester
- Showcases strong acceleration, sharp cuts and field vision, making him a serious threat in open space
- First D1 offer and junior day invite to Charlotte suggests more interest is coming.
💡 Football Runs in the Family:
- Father: Terrance Copper – Former East Carolina star WR (2000-03), 9-year NFL veteran (Cowboys, Saints, Ravens, Chiefs).
- Brother: Terrance Copper Jr. – Played WR at ECU (2020-23).
🔥 Recruiting Outlook:
Not currently ranked by national outlets like 247Sports, Rivals or On3, but Copper’s athleticism and playmaking ability make him a prime candidate for more FCS and Group of Five offers. If he continues his trajectory, he could emerge as one of Eastern NC’s top 2026 wide receiver prospects.
Zach Cullen | Sun Valley High
📍 Hometown: Monroe, NC
🏈 Position: RB | OLB | Punter
📢 Recruiting Update: No known offers yet but getting attention from programs like Coastal Carolina and Navy … invited to Furman’s Junior Day … 704 Area Code Junior Bowl selection.
💡 Scouting Report:
- Dynamic two-way playmaker – 788 rushing yards, 10 TDs, 60 tackles, 3 sacks in 2024
- Elusive runner with great burst – Cuts well, tough to bring down, downhill style
- Special teams weapon – 47-yard punt average, perfect 3/3 on fake punts
- Elite athleticism – 21.92 MPH top speed, 4.58 40-yard dash, 4.3 shuttle, 305 bench, 500 squat
- High academic achiever – 4.0 GPA, All-Conference selection
🔥 Recruiting Outlook:
Cullen’s combination of toughness, versatility and high football IQ makes him a prospect to watch. He fits the mold of a physical, culture-driven player that coaches want in their locker rooms.
Jonathan Manson | Franklinton High
📍 Hometown: Franklinton, NC
🏈 Position: OLB | Box Safety | ATH
📢 Recruiting Update: Active in the camp scene, prospect showcases and college junior day events … not reporting offers at this point
💡 Scouting Report:
- Conference standout – Tar River Prep Defensive Player of the Year, Big East All-Conference selection
- Instinctive, high-IQ defender – Sure tackler with a nose for the football
- Coverage ability stands out – Excellent in space, can cover RBs/TEs
- Physicality & toughness – 111 tackles, 6 TFL, 4 fumble recoveries, 1 INT over two seasons
- Multi-sport athlete & black belt in Tae Kwon Do – Balance, leverage and discipline translate to the field
- Academically elite – 4.28 GPA, National Honor Society
🔥 Recruiting Outlook:
Manson’s versatility, football IQ and relentless motor make him an intriguing hybrid defender at the next level. Scouts at outlets like Prep RedZone love his pursuit, coverage skills and leadership, but encourage adding size and speed to transition to the college game. With strong camp performances, he could see his stock rise in the months ahead.
📢 Attention NC High School Coaches:
Know a Class of 2026 standout you think we should feature in a future Recruiting Spotlight? Send us details and relevant stats/information. Photos would be great!
📩 Tag us on Twitter/X (@ncfootballnews) or send email to elusk@ncfootballnews.com.
