Graduation, the transfer portal and ill-timed injuries have stripped many of North Carolina’s FCS football programs of their most productive pass catchers from 2024. In fact, the top eight receivers by total yardage from a year ago won’t be back this fall.
But not to worry — talent remains, and with it, opportunity. Programs like Western Carolina, Gardner-Webb and Campbell love to throw the football, and there are experienced names ready to take the next step. Here’s a look at our state’s top returning FCS pass catchers:
🧨 Biggest Losses from 2024
- Sincere Brown (Campbell) – 61 catches, 1,028 yards, 12 TDs
→ Now at Colorado, where he transferred after a breakout junior season and will attempt to be a star for coach Deion Sanders. - Chandler Brayboy (Elon) – 59 catches, 979 yards, 8 TDs, 2 KR TDs → Signed as a UDFA with the Jacksonville Jaguars
🔝 Top Returning FCS Receivers in North Carolina
1️⃣ Anthony Lowe – Gardner-Webb
40 catches, 523 yards, 3 TDs
A graduate student from Grove City, Ohio, Lowe led the Bulldogs in receiving last fall. His top performance came against FBS opponent Charlotte: 7 catches, 122 yards and a score.
2️⃣ Brody Reina – Davidson
25 catches, 432 yards, 6 TDs
The Wildcats may have been known for their ground game in 2024, but Reina’s been a consistent pass-catching threat as a misdirection, averaging 18.5 yards per catch over three seasons. Career totals: 45 catches, 833 yards, 10 TDs in 30 games.
3️⃣ Randall King – Campbell
30 catches, 413 yards, 2 TDs
The Northern Nash (Rocky Mount) product was a Freshman All-American in 2024 according to Phil Steele. Had a monster game with 145 yards and 2 TDs against rival Elon.
4️⃣ Jamarien Dalton – Elon
31 catches, 408 yards, 2 TDs
A Lexington native and North Davidson alum, Dalton was third on the team in receptions a year ago and posted his best game with 6 catches for 83 yards and a score against North Carolina Central in Durham.
5️⃣ Jayvonne Dillard – North Carolina A&T
33 catches, 393 yards, 0 TDs
The 6-2, 205-pound redshirt sophomore from Georgia was a steady presence in 2024 after not logging a catch in 2023. Best outing: 75 yards on 4 catches vs. South Carolina State.
6️⃣ Malik Knight – Western Carolina
23 catches, 392 yards, 1 TD
Knight caught passes in 10 of 12 games and added special teams value. His top effort came in the finale: 4 catches, 79 yards vs. Samford.
7️⃣ Giovanni Adopte – Gardner-Webb
20 catches, 308 yards, 2 TDs
The Miami product had a season-high 72 yards and a TD against Presbyterian. Adopte also returned kicks on occasion, averaging 25.8 yards per return with a long of 47.
⚡️ Other Notables to Watch
- Jai Boyd (WCU) – 307 yards in 2024
- Branson Adams (WCU RB) – 36 receptions out of the backfield
- Chance Peterson (NCCU) – 277 yards, 2 TDs
- Chauncey Spikes (NCCU) – 3 TDs on 18 receptions
- Caleb Borders (GWU) – 257 yards
- Ivan Hoyt (Davidson) – 237 yards
- Zimere Winston (Elon) – 223 yards
- Anthony Rucker (NCAT) – 3 TDs from tight end spot
- Jamison Warren (NCAT) – 202 yards
- Mehki Wall (NCCU) – 2 TDs on just 7 catches
👀 Who’s Next?
With so many top receivers from 2024 departed, this fall could be the breakout year for new stars in FCS football across the Old North State state. And as history has shown, there’s always someone ready to step up.
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