Clayton defensive lineman Keshawn Stancil was the only official visitor in town a few weeks ago at Clemson. The Tigers gave their 4-four star North Carolina high school visitor the royal treatment and were rewarded with Stancil’s commitment on Saturday.
Stancil, a member of the class of 2026, chose the defending ACC champions over a top five that included NC State, Miami, Georgia and Penn State.
Stancil (6-3, 270) is listed as the No. 13 overall player from North Carolina, according to 247Sports. He’s the 34th best defensive lineman in the Class of 2026. On3 has Stancil ranked much higher – 73rd nationally and the No. 9 overall defensive lineman.
Stancil earned 63 tackles last season for Clayton, and racked up 22 tackles-for-loss and nine sacks.
He’s the second defensive tackle to commit to Clemson’s 2026 class. The Tigers have a top 10 recruiting class nationally, which also includes offensive lineman Leo Delaney and wide receiver Gordon Sellars from Charlotte’s Providence Day School.
BREAKING: Four-Star DL Keshawn Stancil has Committed to Clemson, he tells me for @on3recruits
The 6’4 275 DL chose the Tigers over NC State & Miami
“DEATH VALLEY I’M HOMEEEEE”https://t.co/DSK2e5C46X pic.twitter.com/zmEICUA6LX — Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 28, 2025
“They just pushed me to all my limits with grades and challenging me throughout the whole process just making it the right fit for me,” Stancil told On3. “Coach (Dabo) Swinney has a certain type of mentality when it comes to attacking academics and football. He’s just so passionate about it.”
Clayton, coached by Scott Chadwick, finished 10-2 in 2024. Clayton senior quarterback Aidan Smalls has committed to Rice for 2026. The Comets open the 2025 season on Aug. 22 against Wilson Prep.
📌 More 2026 Recruiting Coverage:
- 🔁 NC High School Commitment Tracker – Where top NC prospects are committing (in-state & out-of-state)
- 🎯 NC College Commitment Tracker – Who’s heading to North Carolina college programs (from NC and beyond)
- 📊 NC Class of 2026 Player Rankings – Our composite rankings based on 247Sports, Rivals, On3 & ESPN
