West Charlotte High star KD Cotton, a Duke recruit, transfers to Weddington

West Charlotte football star KD Cotton, a two-time All-Observer pick, is transferring to Weddington.

Cotton announced the news on social media Friday afternoon.

“Thank you to the West Charlotte community for all that you have helped me become,” Cotton wrote. “I will always have nothing but love for everyone I’ve connected with in these past years. With that being said for my senior year I will be transferring to Weddington High School. I ask that my West Charlotte family respect my decision and I wish y’all nothing but the best this season...to my new family I’m excited to get to work and do everything I possibly can to bring this team to glory.”

Cotton has not played for West Charlotte since 7-on-7 play this summer. He was a key part of the Lions 2024 N.C. 3A state championship team, the school’s first state championship since 1995.

The Observer ranked Cotton as the No. 31 overall player in its coverage region in preseason. Now he joins a team with several other players in the top 50 — No. 1 Aiden Harris (South Carolina), No. 6 Andrew Harris (South Carolina) and No. 10 Thomas Davis (Notre Dame).

Cotton’s transfer should boost Weddington’s chances to win a N.C. 7A state championship. The Warriors are ranked No. 4 in the latest 7A statewide rankings.

It’s not clear when Cotton might play. Weddington (2-1) played at Crest Friday night.

West Charlotte, off to a 1-2 start, with losses to reigning N.C. 4A state champion Grimsley and S.C. state power South Pointe, hosted Providence on Friday night. The Lions are No. 4 in the 8A statewide rankings.