KC Concepcion, a wide receiver who played at NC State and Texas A&M, is preparing for the NFL draft with hopes of making an impact on any team that selects him. During his appearance at the NFL combine in Indianapolis, Concepcion emphasized his versatility and playmaking ability.
“Something that I feel like I will bring to an NFL franchise: a playmaker, versatile. I could play inside receiver, outside receiver, running back, punt return, kick return,” Concepcion said. “Anybody who’s willing take a chance on me, I think, gets a steal.”
Despite his openness to joining any team, Concepcion admitted he has a particular interest in playing for the Carolina Panthers—his hometown team based in Charlotte. “I think about it, you know, I think about it all the time,” he said. “I would love to go back home. I was raised up there. Bryce Young, you know, he’s an amazing quarterback.
“I actually went to some of the games when Cam Newton and Steve Smith were a receiver and a quarterback.”
Concepcion was born in Western New York but grew up in Charlotte after moving there as a toddler. He attended Chambers High School where he caught 65 passes for 977 yards and 12 touchdowns over his final two seasons and contributed three special teams touchdowns as a punt returner.
“Favorite memory from my high school career at Chambers, I would say probably winning state championships my first two years, as a freshman and as a sophomore,” he recalled. “And then my senior year committing.”
At NC State, Concepcion had 124 catches for 1,299 yards and 16 touchdowns over two seasons while also rushing for 356 yards and throwing one touchdown pass. He received ACC offensive rookie of the year honors and recognition as a freshman All-American.
“I always knew I could play any position on the field. I’m thankful for NC State allowing me to be able to showcase what I can do from the slot,” Concepcion said. “And that was a big reason… being a transfer, I wanted to showcase (to the) NFL… I’m not just a gadget guy. I can run routes; I can run the full route tree.”
He transferred to Texas A&M for his final college season seeking further development before entering the NFL draft.
“That year at A&M meant everything to me,” Concepcion said. “A lot of people talk about they took a chance in me, but they allowed me to be me again, and I owe them guys everything.”
In that season with Texas A&M, he recorded 61 receptions for 919 yards and nine touchdowns along with contributions as both rusher and punt returner.
NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah commented on Concepcion’s speed: “Elite speed… He’s got a couple punt return touchdowns to throw in the mix. He runs away from everybody. He’s got some route polish to him as well.
“The thing with him is just the drops.”
Concepcion acknowledged this concern: “Something that the NFL teams feel like I can improve on is my concentration,” he said. “This year, I had seven drops… I’m going to work every day to fix it…”
Jeremiah noted that despite these issues with dropped passes: “You’re going to have to live with some of that… But he’s going to give you the explosive plays to go along with it.”
During his time at Texas A&M, Concepcion averaged more than 15 yards per catch and scored multiple long-distance touchdowns—highlighting his potential as an explosive player capable of stretching defenses.
“As soon as I get the ball in my hands, it’s electric,” said Concepcion. “…I’m not letting it—I will never let the first guy take me down… Anything a team wants me to do, I’m going to do it to my best ability…”
The Carolina Panthers have recently seen growth in their passing game behind players such as Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker alongside quarterback Bryce Young. The organization has earned multiple division titles and playoff appearances according to their official website, where they also highlight community outreach efforts across North and South Carolina (source). The Panthers play their home games in downtown Charlotte (source)—the same city where Concepcion developed much of his football foundation—and emphasize building championship culture while engaging fans throughout both states (source).
General manager Dan Morgan addressed reporters during combine week regarding prospects like Concepcion: “It’s a deep receiver class. There’s a lot of talented guys that we’re excited about. We’ll see where it goes.”
If drafted by Carolina—a possibility not lost on either party—it would mean returning home for Concepcion.
“They’re really—they are changing the culture around there,” said Concepcion regarding Carolina’s direction as an organization.” So,I would love to be part of that organization.”
