In less than 24 hours of the FHSAA unanimously approving language stating Florida high school athletes will be able to profit off of Name, Image, and Likeness deals (NIL), Mandarin HS (Jacksonville) WR Jaime Ffrench and Jones HS (Orlando) WR Vernell Brown III signed deals with clothing manufacturer American Eagle. Jaime Ffrench, a top wide receiver prospect from Jacksonville, and Vernell Brown III, a standout receiver from Gainesville, are both part of the 2025 recruiting class. Both are highly sought after downfield threats projected to end up at Ohio State University.
The ability for Ffrench and Brown to sign these deals comes in the wake of recent legislative changes in Florida. In February 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 7B, which amended the state's NIL laws to offer more freedom and support for high school and collegiate athletes. Key changes include allowing coaches and athletic department staff to assist in the facilitation of NIL deals, removing the requirement for deals to be commensurate with "market value," and eliminating the need for deal disclosures.
These changes aim to provide athletes with better financial literacy and entrepreneurial training, preparing them for life beyond sports while enabling them to monetize their talents more effectively during their high school and collegiate careers.
The NIL deals for Ffrench and Brown signal a shift in the landscape of high school sports, where athletes can now secure endorsements and partnerships that were previously reserved for college athletes. This move not only benefits the athletes financially but also sets a precedent for other high school athletes in Florida and beyond.
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