Five-star LSU commit Shelton Sampson Jr. signs with Smalls Sliders

When Shelton Sampson Jr. signed with MatchPoint Connection earlier this month, he was adamant his future NIL deals would be strategic.

The five-star LSU commit is sticking to his word. He announced Wednesday morning he has signed with Smalls Sliders, a Louisiana-based cheeseburger slider franchise. With locations already in Baton Rouge and Shreveport, Sampson can be an ambassador for years to come thanks to his decision to stay home for college.

The brand has plans to expand the franchise throughout the state of Louisiana. And with milkshakes and waffle fries on the menu, what’s not to love. Plans are in place for Sampson to be involved in a larger campaign to be rolled out with the company.

MatchPoint Connection, which serves as his exclusive marketplace, helped broker the deal. As announced earlier this month, the wide receiver will be the official high school ambassador for the Baton Rouge-based NIL company.

The company will provide agreement contracting, compliance and brand marketing support for the rising senior. MatchPoint provided oversight in his first NIL deal — a merchandise partnership with Elete Sports.

“It’s a great fit to name Shelton as the beginning face of what we’re working towards in that space, and then to be able to continue to evolve from there,” MatchPoint Connection CFO Zack Oliver told On3. “The main goal is showing that he’s a responsible enough individual to go out there and become a partner of a business as a high schooler.”

Focus remains on LSU, football for Shelton Sampson Jr.

For all the potential Sampson Jr. commands in NIL, his real talents sit on the football field. It’s why he had offers from nearly every top 25 team. And it’s why he even has the opportunity to cash in on NIL — he has an On3 NIL Valuation of $230K, which ranks No. 28 in On3’s high school NIL rankings.

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound receiver led Catholic to a state title last season, all while dealing with a torn ligament in his finger. There was never much question on whether or not he would play in the playoffs. This will be his final season of high school football this fall. Sampson told On3 he plans to enroll at LSU next June, giving him a full year to prepare for college.

As the No. 3 overall recruit in the state of Louisiana, he trimmed his list down to LSU, Texas A&M, Alabama and Florida State. Ultimately, leaving Baton Rouge for college didn’t add up.

“Everything about Brian Kelly and the staff was just authentic,” Sampson told On3. “None of the relationships are fake. I know when I get there, it’s all going to be same as it is now.”

And while playing close to home was a priority, he has an opportunity to become next one of the next great wide receivers to come out of LSU. Throughout his childhood, he’s seen LSU churn out Justin Jefferson, Odell Beckham Jr., Ja’Marr Chase and Jarvis Landry.

Joining that list is the main priority for Shelton Sampson Jr.