PEMBROKE — Leading into high school football practice starting on July 30, The Robesonian’s sports staff is publishing a countdown of the top 15 players in Robeson County, and Purnell Swett’s Chandler Brayboy comes in at No. 5 on the list.

Brayboy finished as one of the Rams’ best receivers in each of his three seasons with the program, finishing second to McKinley Strickland in receiving yards in his first two years before taking over as the top wideout in 2017.

The rising senior logged 1,147 yards and 11 touchdowns on 90 receptions last season, and he’s hoping to reach the 2,000-yard milestone this season. Called “one of the best receivers in the state” by head coach Jon Sherman, Brayboy is the biggest threat in a new-look offense that lost the majority of its starters from last season.

“He’s an exciting guy. He’s starting to be a leader,” Sherman said. “He’s telling kids to hustle and fight through things. He’s always first in almost every drill we do.”

The 6-foot-2-inch receiver is committed to his increased leadership role.

“We’ve got a lot of room for improvement,” Brayboy said. “We’ve got a lot of young guys coming in from JV. We’ve got a lot of guys going both ways (offense and defense). We’re going to have to be in shape.”

Brayboy will be one of the athletes playing on both sides of the ball. He’ll see time as a safety on defense.

“The defensive back coach is pretty good about getting me rest with a younger guy in there,” Brayboy said. “He’s doing pretty good.”

Brayboy said he’s been using the summer to add “a little more aggressiveness” to his skill set.

“A little more strength,” he said. “Run people over and stuff. Make them feel it.”

He committed to Elon on July 16.

The Rams begin their season at Pine Forest on Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. Brayboy logged 167 yards and three touchdowns on seven receptions to help the Rams earn a 48-15 victory over the Trojans last season.

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https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_Chandler-Brayboy-July-2018_ne2018710122257968-1.jpgBrayboy

By Brandon Tester

Staff writer

Reach Brandon Tester at 910-816-1989 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @BrandonTester.