USC commit Malachi Nelson is a one-of-a-kind quarterback prospect.
Just a few months ago, Nelson – a five-star quarterback who is entering his senior year at Los Alamitos High School – signed an NIL deal with The h.wood Group, which is a global hospitality company based in Los Angeles that has more than 30 restaurants and clubs around the world.
Fast-forward to Thursday, Nelson became the first high school athlete to sign with Klutch Sports Group, which was founded in 2012 by agent Rich Paul and NBA icon LeBron James.
Even though Klutch Sports primarily serves athletes in the NBA, the agency recently entered the football world. The agency signed Philadelphia Eagles wideout DeVonta Smith, as well as Detroit Lions cornerback Jeff Okudah.
“You want to put yourself in the right position to not look like you’re just doing it for the money,” Nelson said back in July, via ON3.com. “Last year there were some college guys that had a bad game and then they had to wake up the next morning and post this endorsement deal. It doesn’t look very good. So, my team has put me in a good position to avoid that from happening.”
Nelson, who was previously represented by Justin J. Giangrande of Level Sports Group, says he is committed to the Trojans, however, he took an official visit to Texas A&M in July. So, it’s still unclear if Nelson will 100% join head coach Lincoln Riley at USC.
