Early NC State Football Target Set for Another Trip to Raleigh
Clayton High School (N.C.) junior Aiden Smalls is just a three-star prospect on the gridiron. But there's no doubt that the longtime 2026 NC State football recruiting target, holding offers from two other ACC programs in Duke and Virginia Tech, scores high in the versatility department.
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The 6-foot-1, 175-pound speedster, a frequent Wolfpack visitor who landed an offer from Dave Doeren and his staff last fall, proved his abilities to excel as a point guard and wide receiver across two years at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh.
Just having some fun!! pic.twitter.com/U6p5HddTNu
— Aiden Smalls (@AidenSmalls2026) February 17, 2023
Smalls, boasting a 4.44 time in the 40 and a 36.2-inch vertical, then transferred to Clayton for his junior campaign. He did so with eyes on exhibiting his arsenal as a dual-threat quarterback, all while continuing to look like a prime target for the Wolfpack in the 2026 arena.
Smalls 🎯 Campbell 🙌🏽@AidenSmalls2026 @ClaytonCometsFB @247Sports @AnnaH247 @ebrooks6ed @JeremyO_Johnson @adamgorney @DemetricDWarren @lukewinstel @dzoloty @Andrew_Ivins @919recruits @fivestarphenom @CharlesPower @CodyBellaire @Sean_Callahan @SWiltfong_ @Ebrooks6Ed @TopPreps… pic.twitter.com/nAhyXEioPn
— TJ Campbell (@CantGaurd_TJ) October 1, 2024
And on Wednesday afternoon, Smalls revealed another scheduled trip to Raleigh via the following post on social media, announcing his planned attendance in Carter-Finley Stadium for the NC State football team's Week 6 battle against Wake Forest and including a past photo of him standing next to Doeren:
I will be in Raleigh for the Wolfpack vs Wake Forest game this Saturday. @PackRecruits @StateCoachD @jokerphillips @PackPride @InsidePackSport @ClaytonCometsFB @NCStateRivals pic.twitter.com/TtHMyqsusx
— Aiden Smalls (@AidenSmalls2026) October 2, 2024
NC State (3-2, 0-1 ACC) and Wake Forest (1-3, 0-1 ACC) square off at noon ET Saturday (The CW Network).
Meanwhile, the Wolfpack recruiters already enjoy one 2026 pledge in Reagan High School (N.C.) three-star quarterback Jacob Smith.
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Stay tuned to NC State Wolfpack On SI for more NC State football recruiting news.
Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of NC State Wolfpack on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining NC State Wolfpack on SI in 2024, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.