**Elijah Haven** is a name you’re going to hear a lot in the world of sports. This young athlete from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, just wrapped up a fantastic sophomore year at **Dunham School**. And now, he’s making headlines for landing a major NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deal.
In a pretty big move for someone so young, Haven signed on with **Matt Bowers Auto Group**. They’re calling it a “first-of-its-kind” NIL deal, and it’s happening right as college recruiters are starting to notice him.
“Elijah is not only an exceptional athlete but also a person who embodies the values of hard work, integrity and community involvement,” said **Matt Bowers**, CEO of Matt Bowers Auto Group. “We are thrilled to have Elijah on board and to be able to support his journey both on and off the field. This partnership is more than just an endorsement—it’s about elevating Elijah’s voice and using our platform to celebrate his achievements and future potential.”
Represented by **RJ Harris** of **Greenwood Ave**, Haven was named the **MaxPreps National Sophomore Football Player of the Year** in 2024. That’s no small feat! He racked up over 4,000 yards and scored 56 touchdowns, leading Dunham to a 14-1 record and a spot in the Division III Select state title game.
More on Elijah Haven’s recruitment
Besides football, Haven’s also tearing it up on the basketball court, being one of the top players in Louisiana. According to the On3 Industry Ranking, he’s the No. 3 overall prospect and the top quarterback for the 2027 class. Not too shabby!
His skills have caught the eye of some big-name schools. **LSU**, **Michigan**, **Ole Miss**, **Texas Tech**, and **Florida** are just a few that have offered him scholarships. **Steve Wiltfong** from On3 even shared some insights on whether Haven will be at LSU’s Junior Day soon.
On3’s **Charles Power** had this to say: “The Baton Rouge (La.) Dunham School signal caller had one of the best freshman seasons among 2027 quarterbacks and is a big, physically-gifted athlete.” At 6-foot-4 and over 200 pounds, Haven’s got a cannon for an arm, throwing for 2,205 yards and 35 touchdowns against just three interceptions as a freshman.
He’s not just about passing, though. Haven also ran in 12 touchdowns last season. While he needs to keep fine-tuning his passing game, his physical talents are already making a splash on Friday nights.
