By Thomas Grant Jr.
Charlotte, the University of North Carolina, Oregon State and South Carolina all had interest in Irmo’s A.J. Brand.
After months of receiving offers, the All-State dual threat quarterback decided to become a Hokie. On his personal Instagram page, he announced Sunday his plans to commit to Virginia Tech.
“Virginia Tech is just a great place to be,” Brand said. “I love the coaches, the atmosphere, and the scheme.”
Brand visited Virginia Tech and South Carolina in consecutive weekends in May and June. In the end, the Hokies’ heavy interest in keeping him at quarterback as compared to being recruited as a defensive back for the Gamecocks won him over.
He’s the second quarterback to commit to Virginia Tech.
“I just feel comfortable with the coaches and the staff,” Brand told VTScoop. “I also just feel like it fits me and would be a great place to learn and grow from.”
A three-year starter, Brand threw for 2,932 yards and 45 touchdowns and rushed for 1,113 yards and 17 touchdowns in leading the Yellow Jackets to an undefeated regular season. They finished with a 13-1 record in reaching the Class 4A Lower State final.
Brand is not the only Irmo player with heavy college interest. Rising junior wide receiver Donovan Murph has fielded over 23 scholarship offers, including Clemson, Colorado, Alabama, Auburn, Miami, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Tennessee.
In his first season with the Yellow Jackets, Murph had 57 receptions for 1,084 yards and 17 touchdowns.
With all but Signing Day in December, Brand’s main focus in his senior year and winning a second state championship. He already has a title from basketball.
“It will definitely make it easier just because it takes a little weight off my shoulders,” he said.
2024 IRMO FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
(All Games Start at 7:30 p.m.)
AUG. 23 – OCEANSIDE COLLEGIATE
AUG. 30 – at J.F. Byrnes
SEPT. 6 – BUTLER (N.C.)
SEPT. 13 – at Carolina Forest
SEPT. 20 – MYRTLE BEACH
SEPT. 27 – BYE
OCT. 4 – at Lexington
OCT. 11 – RIVER BLUFF
OCT. 18 – at White Knoll
OCT. 25 – CHAPIN
NOV. 1 – at Dutch Fork
Photo by Goflashwin.com – Irmo quarterback A.J. Brand