One of the most productive wide receivers in North Carolina high school football is off the board. Mocksville’s Ethan Driver, a standout 2026 prospect from Davie County High School, announced his commitment to Gardner-Webb University on July 23.
The 6-foot-2, 185-pound pass-catcher becomes the latest in-state talent to join the Bulldogs’ rising FCS program — and it’s a full-circle moment. Gardner-Webb was the first Division I school to offer Driver back in April. Driver reported five D1 offers in all.
“I can’t wait to be back in September,” Driver wrote after a visit to Boiling Springs earlier this month. Next September, too.
Driver caught fire as a junior in 2024, hauling in 67 catches for 916 yards and eight touchdowns over 10 games. His 91.6 receiving yards per game is tops among returning wide receivers in North Carolina’s new 7A classification, according to HighSchoolOT. His biggest moment last fall? A school-record 268-yard receiving performance against North Davidson in September.
🎯 Scouting Breakdown
Driver earned high praise at offseason camps, including a standout showing at Appalachian State. Six Star Football described him as:
“He’s a reliable target who understands how to get open and finish. Driver’s polish, competitive fire and athletic profile make him a high-ceiling playmaker heading into his senior campaign … Driver has the hands and timing to win consistently on slants, curls and deep posts.”
In addition to his stats, Driver brings a rare blend of football IQ, toughness and athleticism to the field — with elite body control and smooth catch-and-run transitions, per the Six Star scouting report. He’s a proven playmaker in contested catch situations and a go-to weapon in big moments.
🚨Had a great visit @GWUFootball this weekend. Can’t wait to be back in September!@DavieHSFootball @CoachReisert @TheCoachAlcorn @GWUCoachPinnix @CoachVeraldi @CoachCully_GW @AscensionSport1 @willbradleysp @MashElite @mfarrellsports pic.twitter.com/9mLwuKMhZ6 — Ethan Driver (@EthanDriver07) July 15, 2025
📚 Student-Athlete Standout
Driver has impressive stats and credentials on the field and in the classroom. The two-time Academic All-American carries a 4.2 GPA and has earned all-conference and all-area honors twice. He was named an All-Region wideout by the Winston-Salem Journal and plays a key role on Davie County’s playoff basketball team, dropping 22 points in a postseason win earlier this year.
🏈 Offers and Recruitment Timeline
While Driver received interest from schools like Marshall, Cornell, Army and Davidson, it was Gardner-Webb who identified his talent early and built a relationship that paid off.
Driver’s Report Offer List:
- Gardner-Webb (first D1 offer – April 2025) ✅
- Marshall
- Cornell
- Davidson
- Army
- UVA Wise
- Catawba
- Brevard
🔥 What’s Next
With another full season ahead at Davie County, Driver will look to build on a record-breaking junior year and continue establishing himself as one of the top wide receivers in the state.
Davie County, under new coach Brian Hinson, will look to improve up last season’s 3-7 finish. The War Eagles visit West Forsyth in week one action on Aug. 22.
And Gardner-Webb fans? They’ve got a future weapon on the way.
📌 More 2026 Recruiting Coverage:
- 🔁 NC High School Commitment Tracker – Where top NC prospects are committing (in-state & out-of-state)
- 🎯 NC College Commitment Tracker – Who’s heading to North Carolina college programs (from NC and beyond)
- 📊 NC Class of 2026 Player Rankings – Our composite rankings based on 247Sports, Rivals, On3 & ESPN
Gardner-Webb picked up another 2026 in-state recruit in the past week. Read more about Garner’s Maddox McDowell, a defensive back who pledged for the Runnin Bulldogs.
