*Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama Football News: Draft Scout Player News

05/01/20 - QB *Tua Tagovailoa, Jr/2020, Alabama

When the Miami Dolphins selected Tua Tagovailoa with the fifth overall pick in last week's NFL Draft, it guaranteed the Hawaiian left-hander millions of dollars. But what if Tagovailoa could have made millions while staying for another season at Alabama? If the recent NCAA-endorsed plan for name, image and likeness was in place and allowed Tagovailoa to be paid to star in commercials, he could have according to those most bullish about the market for college athletes. Tagovailoa would have been well suited to cash in on his national recognition and ability to tap into multiple markets given his Hawaiian roots. Bob Dorfman, creative director of Baker Street Advertising, says Tagovailoa could have made "three to five million, easy" during his time at Alabama. Andy Schwarz, an economist and partner at OSKR, believes "low millions" would have been possible for Tagovailoa though six figures was probably more likely early on.

In talking to multiple sports marketing experts, a consensus emerges that it is players like Tagovailoa and Clemson star quarterback Trevor Lawrence who stand to gain the most if the boldest aspects of the NCAA's proposed NIL plan come to fruition. (There is a lot of skepticism that they will, which we'll get to later.) Similar to the NFL where quarterbacks like Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers reap the biggest endorsement deals, it will likely be the high-profile quarterbacks and Heisman contenders who brands will want to embrace. In theory, brands will be allowed to pay athletes to promote their products on social media platforms, appear in television commercials and attend events, among other options. - Birmingham News

Jr/2020