Aiden Smalls Pickleball Recruitment Story: Clayton High School senior Aiden Smalls made a surprising choice this summer. The talented quarterback, once committed to Rice University, decided to join North Carolina State University as a wide receiver. The turning point came during a casual game of pickleball with teammate Keshawn Stancil, which unexpectedly opened a new path in his recruitment.
Pickleball Match That Changed Everything
In mid-June, Aiden Smalls played pickleball with his friend and teammate, defensive lineman Keshawn Stancil. At the time, Stancil was preparing for his official visit to North Carolina State University. The Wolfpack coaches had also invited Smalls to visit, but he chose not to go because Rice coaches asked him to avoid it.
During their pickleball match, Smalls admitted he was having doubts about Rice. Stancil then passed along Smalls’ thoughts to NC State coach Dave Doeren while on his trip. That connection proved crucial.
The Wolfpack Offer
Soon after, NC State assistant coach Joker Phillips reached out to Smalls. Phillips presented a detailed plan for how Smalls could succeed as a wide receiver. Smalls explained,
“Coach Joker gave me a plan as a receiver. I looked at the plan month by month and loved it.”
That conversation, sparked by a casual pickleball game, played a major role in Smalls’ flip from Rice to NC State.
Family Over Distance
Smalls’ choice was also influenced by family. The trip from Clayton, North Carolina, to Houston, Texas, where Rice is located, is more than 1,000 miles. Staying closer to home meant his parents could see him play more often.
But the unusual recruiting twist remains the same: if not for a friendly pickleball match with Keshawn Stancil, Aiden Smalls may never have ended up with the Wolfpack.
As Smalls himself joked,
“If Smalls develops into an impact player, they can thank Keshawn Stancil for a game of pickleball in the summer of 2025. That must be a first for college football recruiting tales.”
News in Brief: Aiden Smalls Pickleball Recruitment Story
A casual game of pickleball helped Clayton High’s Aiden Smalls flip his college choice from Rice University to North Carolina State University. Defensive lineman Keshawn Stancil passed word of Smalls’ doubts to NC State coaches during his own visit, leading to a new opportunity for Smalls as a wide receiver.
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