NC State WR signee Aiden Smalls plays with terrific intensity

Senior Aiden Smalls only needed two years to provide numerous memories at Clayton (N.C.) High.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Aiden Smalls, a three-star wide receiver prospect, had a standout senior season at Clayton High School in North Carolina, leading the team to the state championship game. Smalls played quarterback and running back in high school but will transition to wide receiver at NC State, where coaches praise his hands, playmaking ability, and potential as a dynamic receiver and return specialist.

Why it matters

Smalls' versatility and success at the high school level suggest he could be a valuable addition to the NC State offense and special teams. His ability to make plays with the ball in his hands aligns with the Wolfpack's offensive philosophy and could help the team continue its recent success.

The details

Smalls had 76 receptions for 941 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior, and added 23 carries for 118 yards and 10 scores. As a senior, he went 121-of-222 passing for 1,892 yards, 21 touchdowns and six interceptions, and rushed for 1,515 yards and 26 touchdowns. Smalls played some wide receiver and defense, and was the team's holder on kicks due to his strong hands.

  • Smalls verbally committed to Rice on April 25, 2025, but later flipped to NC State on July 8 to play wide receiver.
  • As a senior, Smalls led Clayton High to a 12-3 record and a berth in the NCHSAA 7A state title game.

The players

Aiden Smalls

A three-star wide receiver prospect who played quarterback and running back in high school but will transition to wide receiver at NC State.

Scott Chadwick

The head coach at Clayton High School, who developed Smalls into a dynamic dual-threat player and believes he can be an "incredibly dynamic" receiver and return specialist at the college level.

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What they’re saying

“He found a whole different level to his game. Kind of starting with that [Clayton] Cleveland game and kept it up all the way through the championship game.”

— Scott Chadwick, Head Coach, Clayton High School (on3.com)

“I would say his hands, No. 1. No. 2, what he does with a ball in his hands is on a totally different level. He is, he's just dynamic with the ball in his hands. I think you're going to see a guy that becomes a true threat as a receiver in a lot of different ways — bubble and screen guy and as a guy that take the top off and catch the deep ball. I think he can be an incredibly dynamic return guy on special teams.”

— Scott Chadwick, Head Coach, Clayton High School (on3.com)

What’s next

Smalls will look to make an immediate impact as a wide receiver and return specialist for the NC State Wolfpack in the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Aiden Smalls' versatility and playmaking ability at the high school level suggest he could be a valuable addition to the NC State offense and special teams, as the Wolfpack look to build on their recent success.