Graceson Littleton’s path to becoming a Clemson football commit began in his hometown of Wichita. From a young age, Littleton showcased remarkable speed. His mother, Heather Bouler, recalls how his talent for running was evident even during his first YMCA T-ball game. Littleton’s primary interest in T-ball was hitting the ball so he could run the bases. Despite not hitting the ball far, his speed allowed him to turn every hit into a home run, much to the amusement of his family.
As he grew older, Littleton’s speed became more apparent. During field days at Amelia Earhart Elementary in Goddard, he consistently outpaced his classmates. On the playground, he was unbeatable in games of Tag, earning him the nickname “The Flash.” His speed also stood out when he started playing junior football for the Wichita Gators, where he helped lead the team to a city championship in fourth grade by simply outrunning defenders to score touchdowns.
Although Littleton eventually moved away from Wichita after 15 years, his speed and skills continued to develop. Now a four-star recruit and one of the nation’s top cornerbacks in the class of 2025, Littleton announced his verbal commitment to Clemson on Wednesday. Despite his relocation to Tampa, Florida, where he lives now, Littleton still feels a deep connection to Wichita. He maintains his Wichita area code and cherishes the support he receives from his hometown. He hopes to give back by setting up football camps in Wichita once he reaches college.
Littleton’s football journey began in Wichita, where he played as a running back and receiver in the Goddard school district. His move to Tampa, following his mother, marked his transition to playing cornerback on defense. While the switch required some adjustment, Littleton quickly grew to love the challenge of preventing touchdowns rather than scoring them. He appreciated the independence and responsibility that came with playing cornerback, where success depended solely on his performance.
Littleton’s talent soon caught the attention of Division I scouts at Wiregrass Ranch High in Florida. His recruitment gained significant momentum this past January when his impressive junior season highlights began circulating among college coaches. His performance at an Under Armour camp, where he ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash and excelled in press-man drills, further solidified his status as a top prospect. 247Sports ranked him as the No. 71 player overall in the class of 2025, leading to 42 scholarship offers from prestigious programs like Alabama, Georgia, USC, Oklahoma, Florida, and Auburn. Even Kansas State and Kansas, which held sentimental value for him, showed interest.
Littleton scheduled official visits to several top programs, including Penn State, Clemson, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Iowa. However, his visit to Clemson, where he experienced the family- and faith-based culture under head coach Dabo Swinney, convinced him that Clemson was the right fit. Littleton appreciated Clemson’s commitment to developing players within their program rather than relying heavily on the transfer portal.
Reflecting on his journey, Littleton shared his thoughts with The Eagle, expressing his enduring love for Wichita and the support he continues to receive from his hometown. His mother, Heather Bouler, also expressed pride in his achievements and the warm messages they received from Wichita supporters. The nickname “Flash” still resonates with those who remember his early days in Wichita, highlighting the lasting impact of his roots.
Wednesday’s commitment to Clemson marked a significant milestone for Littleton and his family. While the move to Florida played a crucial role in advancing his recruitment, the foundation of his story began in Wichita. Bouler recalled the joy and pride of receiving messages from old friends and supporters, all cheering for Littleton’s success and becoming Clemson fans in his honor.
In summary, Graceson Littleton’s football journey is a testament to his exceptional speed and talent, first recognized in Wichita. His move to Tampa and transition to playing cornerback allowed him to further hone his skills, ultimately leading to his commitment to Clemson. Despite his geographic transition, Littleton’s heart remains tied to Wichita, where his journey began and where he continues to receive unwavering support. As he prepares for his future at Clemson, Littleton remains grateful for his roots and hopes to give back to his hometown community.
