High-ranking high school player turns down $750K NIL deal

One of the top high school football prospects in the nation recently turned down a name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal that would have paid the sophomore $750,000.

Cameron Pritchett, from Thompson High School in Alabama, turned down the NIL deal from the prep school because he reportedly did not want to leave the state. Pritchett is a 6-foot-3 edge rusher and is part of the Class of 2027.

A recent story from WVTM13.com detailed Pritchett’s decision. Below is an excerpt from the WVTM13.com article.

Pritchett’s decision, first reported by 5 Star Football Recruiting, was confirmed by his trainer, Isaac Hadac, who said his faith guided him.

“He believes that by the grace of God, he’s going to go far in the game of football, and all of the material things will come down the road,” Hadac told The Associated Press. “It means a lot to him to be able to stay and use his faith in the process to help him make that decision.”

Pritchett isn’t the first Thompson player to turn down a lucrative deal. Quarterback Trent Seaborn reportedly rejected a seven-figure NIL deal from a trading card company in 2024. Hadac said those decisions are a credit to coach Mark Freeman.

“Coach Freeman is a legacy coach. He wants to leave a legacy with Thompson. Seaborn turned down a major NIL deal himself. These kids know that if they buy into the process, all of these things will come one way or another,” Hadac said.

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Pritchett finished last season with 78 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks in 14 games. Multiple programs have shown interest, including national champion Ohio State.

Pritchett has time to make his decision. In the meantime, he is focused on building a legacy at Thompson High.

To read the full story from WVTM13.com, click here.