Dexter Southfield head coach Casey Day doesn’t hesitate when asked where Charlie Hanafin ranks among the wide receivers he’s coached over his 15-year career.
That’s because Hanafin is a standout he’s the first wide receiver Day has ever coached who will play at the Power Four level, having committed to West Virginia after his official campus visit.
“He’s our first Power Four wide receiver,” Day said. “We’ve had a strong run of linemen reach that level, but Charlie’s the first receiver. No doubt about it.”
What sets Hanafin apart is not just his talent, but his genuine love for the game and an unmatched competitive drive for someone his age.
“I’ve seen it at camps and every setting it’s that urgency, that mental edge he brings every single day. He has that ‘it’ factor,” Day said. “That’s exactly what will make him thrive at the next level.”
Hanafin comes from a football-savvy family. His older brothers Ronan at Clemson and Shane at Boston College also play at the Power Four level. Day believes growing up with that example helped sharpen Charlie’s focus and work ethic.
“Physically, he’s gifted,” Day noted. “But what really stood out at camps was his competitive fire and urgency. He brings that mindset to every practice and workout.”
From the moment Hanafin joined Dexter Southfield, his potential was obvious. He quickly stood out by making contested catches and turning short passes into big gains. But just as impressive is his willingness to do the gritty work like blocking.
“He cares about stock blocking. That’s not something you see in every receiver,” Day said. “West Virginia is getting a player who can contribute in every area of the game.”
As impressive as he is on the field, Day says Hanafin’s character and maturity off the field might be what truly sets him apart.
“He’s wise beyond his years. The kind of kid every coach dreams of working with,” he said. “He’s a high-character, outstanding young man.”
Hanafin is set to enroll at West Virginia in January.
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