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WVU Commit Rodney Gallagher Signs Pennsylvania’s First NIL Deal

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After already being tabbed as the highest-rated recruit under Neal Brown and the sixth-best in West Virginia history, Mountaineers commit Rodney Gallagher is adding yet another accolade to his list while still being a high school senior.

On Wednesday evening, Gallagher announced an NIL agreement with The Pavement Group, making him the first-ever high school athlete in Pennsylvania to receive money while maintaining an amateur status.

“The Pavement Group has blessed me with an opportunity to help lead their philanthropic efforts by donating to nonprofit missions in Fayette County, the community that’s uplifted me from the start,” Gallagher said in his post on Twitter.

The Pavement Group is a paving contractor company owned by a graduate of Laurel Highlands High School where Gallagher currently attends. Details of the agreement were not released, but Gallagher said he will be doing work within the community as part of it.

The announcement came just a few hours after the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) voted to allow high school athletes to receive compensation for commercial endorsement, promotional activities and social media presence.

The new guidelines were input by a vote of 25-4 and took effect immediately following the board meeting. The PIAA had been working since July to craft the NIL policy, having the intention of the guidelines being able to benefit students.

Gallagher, a four-star recruit, will next be competing in the Under Armour All-American Bowl in January. He closed out his tenure at Laurel Highlands by compiling 2,039 total yards of offense and 28 touchdowns while switching between quarterback and wide receiver during his senior season.

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