Athletes First is arguably the early leader in the clubhouse during the player-agent signing phase, having signed a number of former student-athletes, including a recent trio of players from the University of Southern California. NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor, Andrew Kessler, will represent wide receiver Marqise Lee (pictured above), tight end Xavier Grimble and defensive back Dion Bailey.
“I am extremely excited to work with and represent a group of great USC players in Marqise, Dion, and Xavier, and all the other talented Athletes First clients in the upcoming draft,” Kessler said. “These guys are truly unique talents who I think will be a success in the NFL. Athletes First will once again be representing a great group of rookies and we will do all we can to help them in their transition from college to the NFL and throughout their entire careers.”
Lee — one of the top-rated wide receivers in this year’s Draft behind Clemson’s Sammy Watkins and Texas A&M’s Mike Evans — is a projected first round selection. His breakout season came in 2012 where he grabbed 118 receptions for 1,700-plus yards and 14 touchdowns, earning himself Pac 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors along with the Fred Biletnikoff Award, given annual to the nation’s outstanding college football receiver.
NFLDraftScout.com lists Xavier Grimble as the No. 13 best tight end available in May’s Draft while FanSpeak.com ranks the Las Vegas, Nevada native as the No. 4 top tight end. He finished his career at USC with 69 receptions for 731 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Dion Bailey finished his junior season with 61 tackles and five interceptions before declaring for the 2014 Draft. He was named to the Second Team All-Pac 12 in 2013. As a freshman in 2011, the Lakewood, California native recorded 81 tackles, two sacks, and two interceptions in addition to Pac 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors. NFLDraftScout.com ranks Bailey as the No. 3 safety in the 2014 Draft and is a projected third round selection.
Image Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
