5-star USC QB commit Julian Lewis signs with LA powerhouse agency Athletes First for NIL representation
The national attention and prowess for five-star Carrollton (Ga.) quarterback Julian Lewis continues to rise with each week it seems. Between his dominant performances on Friday nights, his USC commitment, and being ranked the No. 1 prospect in the country, he has ben in the spotlight for quite some time.
His profile is only getting bigger and his latest move is evidence of that. Wednesday evening, Lewis announced on social media he has signed with Los Angeles based sports agency Athletes First for NIL representation.
Lewis boasts a $477,000 On3 NIL Valuation, which ranks No. 6 in the high school football NIL rankings.
This is a massive move for Lewis as it was just weeks ago that the Georgia High School Association amended its bylaws to allow high school student-athletes to participate in NIL without losing their eligibility.
For those not aware of Athletes First, they are one of the most prominent sports agencies around, primarily focusing on the NFL, but have dipped into the college ranks, and now high school with the presence of NIL.
With Athletes First representing him, it is likely we will see Lewis partnering and working with national corporations and brands in the near future.
Some athletes they represent include Aaron Rodgers, Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey, Justin Jefferson, Micah Parsons, Justin Herbert, Dak Prescott, Mark Andrews, Penei Sewell, Nick Chubb, Tua Tagavailoa, Derrick Henry, Justin Fields, CJ Stroud, and countless other NFL stars.
Since their inception, they have represented three No. 1 overall NFL Draft picks, 60+ first round selections, and 178 total NFL draft selections. They have also negotiated the largest deal in NFL history seven times.
The Key Connection for USC
You may have noticed Athletes First is a Los Angeles based company, which stands out as Lewis is committed to the Trojans. But there is one more key connection here that ties it all together.
Athletes First also represents coaches and one of their highest profile clients is USC head coach Lincoln Riley. Athletes First agent Trace Armstrong negotiated Riley’s deal to USC in 2021.
That means the 16-year old Lewis is now represented by the same agency his future college head coach is represented by.
Athletes First (About Us)
“Athletes First is a full-service management firm that has been representing elite players, coaches, personnel and broadcasters since its inception in 2001. Based in Southern California, with satellite offices in New York City, NY, Gainesville, FL, Austin, TX and Atlanta, GA, Athletes First is a staple in the sports representation business. Over the years, we’ve created a culture that’s built around the two key components of our industry: exude extreme power while remaining intimately personal.
Athletes First has strategically grown our practice with the most widely experienced agent team in the industry. Composed of forward thinkers, trained attorneys and master negotiators, our agents hold Bachelor’s, Master’s and Law Degrees from some of the most prestigious universities across the United States.“
