Ryan Clanton-Pimentel is around 21 years old and a junior right back for Southern Methodist University in NCAA Division I. Before committing to SMU, he played at Lonestar SC in the ECNL, where he helped the team to a #11 playoff seed in the 2024 ECNL Playoffs. In the 2026 NCAA season, he has played 13 matches, started 13, and recorded 7 assists. In 2025, he was named to the ACC All-Tournament team.

He stands at 5’6″ with a slight, narrow-shouldered frame that makes him vulnerable in physical duels and tends to get overpowered by stronger wide players. His elite acceleration and explosiveness allow him to beat markers 1v1, cover large distances quickly, and regularly catch wingers who have gotten in behind. He lacks physical strength and is regularly overpowered in shoulder-to-shoulder duels; he tends to struggle against strong, direct opponents. He produces multiple high-intensity runs late in games without noticeable drop-off and is relentless in both attacking runs and defensive recoveries. Clanton-Pimentel shows sharp, explosive movements in 1v1 attacking situations and maintains composure and control at high speed while changing direction. He surprisingly wins a good number of aerial duels due to his excellent timing and leap, even though he is undersized for a fullback. He consistently shows a strong desire to win the ball, shows intensity in pressing, and competes intensely in wide duels.

Out of possession, Clanton-Pimentel holds his position solidly in most situations but can occasionally be caught too high or leave minor gaps. He anticipates some danger and makes a reasonable number of interceptions but can be a step late in delayed runs, underlaps, or quick switches. In 1v1 situations, he generally stays on his feet and times challenges adequately but can be beaten by sharper or more explosive wingers and lacks the consistency of a top-level 1v1 defender. He shows strong counter-pressing reactions in wide areas; when possession is lost nearby, he immediately hunts the ball and attempts to win it back quickly. When tackling, he engages when required and has moderate success but can be beaten in 1v1 situations and mistime some challenges. In attacking transitions, he recognizes when to push forward early, provide width, and advances rapidly to support or create overloads.

In possession, Clanton-Pimentel is an attacking fullback that balances defense with frequent forward runs, stretches the opposition defense horizontally, and creates chances. In high-pressure situations, he consistently takes a clean, purposeful first touch and receives the ball in a way that opens up forward or combination options. Whether playing short link-up under pressure or diagonals, the weight, timing, and accuracy of his passes are consistently strong. He regularly carries the ball forward with purpose and recognizes when space is available in front of him and uses technical quality and pace to advance the ball securely. He times overlaps excellently, arrives in crossing or cutback positions at the right moment and consistently creates overloads in the final third. He can put dangerous balls into the box on occasion, but the quality and consistency are ordinary. He generally selects sensible options and keeps possession in most build-up situations but tends to over-dribble instead of playing it to an open teammate. His first touch, passing technique, and ball control are consistently clean and precise, and he is comfortable receiving and distributing with both feet.

Clanton-Pimentel has proven to be an attacking fullback that regularly carries the ball forward with purpose, times overlaps excellently, and shows sharp, explosive movements in 1v1 attacking situations. He recognizes when to push forward early, provide width, and advance rapidly to support or create overloads. With further improvement in his crossing and 1v1 defending, he can become a starter for a sub-top team in a top 9-15 league. He would best fit in a 3-4-3 high-pressing system as a wing-back or in a 5-3-2 formation. His current level is starting for a mid-table team in a top 16-20 league.