Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school football. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2025 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence in addition to local and state accolades.
Tyreek Copper of
Kinston is the 2025 MaxPreps North Carolina High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound senior wide receiver led the Vikings to an 11-5 record and Class 3A state runner-up finish.
Copper broke the NCHSAA state record for most receiving yards (2,245) and receiving touchdowns (33) in a season. He also broke the state record for most consecutive games with at least one receiving touchdown (17).
Nationally, Copper was No. 1 in touchdown receptions and No. 2 in yardage.
In a loss to Shelby in the state championship game, Copper had seven catches for a season-high 229 yards and three touchdowns – one of 11 games with at least 100 yards receiving and one score this fall.
Against Northeastern (Elizabeth City) in the quarterfinals, Copper had six catches for 152 yards and three touchdowns in a 28-24 win.
Copper finished his career with 276 receptions for 4,890 yards and 66 touchdowns. He finished second in state history in career receptions and receiving yards and third in touchdown receptions.
After fielding more than a dozen Division I offers, Copper signed with North Carolina State earlier this month.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps North Carolina Players of the Year
2021 — Malaki Hamrick, EDGE, Shelby
2022 — Jadyn Davis, QB, Providence Day (Charlotte)
2023 — Jadyn Davis, QB, Providence Day
2024 — Faizon Brandon, QB, Grimsley (Greensboro)
