Kaden Catoe, one of the key offensive weapons in Grimsley’s march to an undefeated state title in 2024, will join Charlotte’s program in 2026. Catoe announced his commitment to the Charlotte 49ers and new coach Tim Albin on Tuesday.
Catoe caught 64 passes for 953 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, helping the Whirlies to a perfect 16-0 finish in the NCHSAA 4A ranks.
Catoe made three catches for 59 yards in the state title game against Rolesville in Chapel Hill, including a highlight reel snag between two Rams defenders – hanging onto the ball while being brought to the turf. He had a three-touchdown night in Grimsley’s 4A West Region championship win over Weddington, hauling in TD receptions of 39, 55 and 46 yards from five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon, a Tennessee commit.
Game of Inches named Catoe its 2024 Breakout Player of the Year.
Your time is coming & it will be right! #BlueCollar25 https://t.co/sr1gWF7S1z — Grimsley Football (@grimsleyfb) January 21, 2025
At the turn of the year, Catoe posted a highlight reel on his X account with the caption, “Just a kid waiting for schools to take a chance on.”
He had two offers at that point and several more followed shortly after: FIU, Appalachian State, Gardner-Webb, James Madison, Old Dominion all came calling. Charlotte was the eighth team to extend an offer, in mid-February.
Albin is building his first high school class at Charlotte with in-state players as a foundation. Catoe is the third North Carolina player to pledge to Charlotte for 2026. He joins Josh Hines (Charlotte | Myers Park HS) and Eisa Evans (Pfafftown | Reagan HS) on what is already an eight-member class.
📊 About Kaden Catoe
🧩 Position: Wide Receiver/
📍 Hometown: Greensboro, NC
🎓 High School: Grimsley Whirlies
🧢 Head Coach: Darryl Brown
📏 Height/Weight: 6-0, 165
🎯 Offers/Interest: Reported seven offers from FBS schools, most this past winter, including Charlotte and four schools from the Sun Belt Conference. Appalachian State and Gardner-Webb offered in-state.
🎥 View Catoe’s junior season Hudl Highlights HERE
💪 2024 Season Rewind: Won a 4A state championship with Grimsley last season, catching 64 passes for 953 yards with 11 touchdowns … Named the Game of Inches 2024 Breakout Player of the Year … One of the top scorers on Grimsley’s hoops squad over the winter.
Grimsley released its 2025 football schedule earlier this month. The Whirlies have multiple showcase games, including the opener against defending 3A champ West Charlotte. See Grimsley’s complete schedule HERE.
🔗 More 2026 NC Football Recruiting Coverage
➡️ See where North Carolina’s Class of 2026 prospects have committed — full list HERE.
➡️ Check out which 2026 players from across the country are joining North Carolina college programs, including the Charlotte 49ers — full list HERE.
What a catch by Grimsley (NC) WR Kaden Catoe in the 2024 NCHSAA Football 4A Championships 😮 @kadencatoe7 | @NFHSNetwork | @NCHSAA pic.twitter.com/B07fpTgJzC — MaxPreps (@MaxPreps) December 21, 2024
