Irmo High School quarterback AJ Brand officially signed with Virginia Tech on Wednesday, solidifying his commitment despite late pressure from the University of South Carolina. Brand, who had verbally committed to the Hokies back in June, remained firm in his decision during the early signing period for football recruits.
Although South Carolina made a strong push in recent months, Brand chose to stick with Virginia Tech. “I definitely considered South Carolina again, but I stood firm,” Brand said during a signing ceremony at Irmo High. “Virginia Tech showed me the kind of belief and consistency I was looking for. Coach Tyler Bowen, Coach Brian Crist, and Coach Brent Pry always supported me, and I felt like they truly stuck with me throughout.”
The Gamecocks, who originally offered Brand a spot as a defensive back, began recruiting him as a quarterback during the summer and fall. He visited South Carolina officially in May and returned to watch a few games this season alongside his teammate Donovan Murph, a wide receiver also on USC’s radar. South Carolina’s recruitment persisted even into the final weekend before signing day, with head coach Shane Beamer calling Brand from the locker room after the Gamecocks’ win over Clemson.
“Coach Beamer’s goal is to keep the best talent in-state,” Brand said. “I always appreciated that effort, but I felt like my heart was already with Virginia Tech. There was always a part of me that knew where I belonged.”
Brand’s father, Irmo head coach Aaron Brand, acknowledged the allure of staying in-state but respected his son’s independence in making the decision. He said once the Hokie-colored balloons were purchased for the ceremony, he knew AJ wasn’t going to flip. “He’s one of the most loyal people I know,” Coach Brand said. “Virginia Tech didn’t need to worry.”
During the emotional ceremony, Brand’s parents reflected on his journey, from being a young ball boy in North Carolina to becoming a top high school quarterback. Coach Brand, who has attended many signing days over his 25-year coaching career, said this one was extra special because it was for his own son.
Ranked as a three-star prospect and the No. 19 player in South Carolina by 247Sports Composite, the 6-foot-1, 205-pound Brand passed for 2,358 yards and rushed for 1,647 this season, totaling 49 touchdowns. He holds Irmo’s school records with 11,265 career yards and 143 total touchdowns.
Leave a Reply